Rota Brasil <-> Mundo: Charles Tang

Between two giants, Brazil and China, even cultural differences cannot obscure a simple reality. The increasingly strategic partnership between the two countries is generating multibillion‑dollar gains on both sides of the world. “The benefits to Brazil are incalculable. Just last year, we posted nearly US$80 billion in a trade surplus with China. Since the start of this closer relationship, the accumulated balance has already surpassed US$500 billion,” says Charles Tang, president of the Brazil–China Chamber, in an interview for Estadão Blue Studio’s “Rota Brasil Mundo” series.

Charles Tang – Photo: Courtesy of the Brazil-China Chamber of Commerce

The executive, born in Shanghai, raised in the United States, and smitten with Brazil in his youth (his homeland ever since), is an enthusiast for the ever‑closer commercial ties between Brazilians and Chinese, which gained even more weight from the 1980s onward, when the Chamber was created. “China needs to ensure the food security of its people, and Brazil is increasingly consolidating itself as the world’s breadbasket. Our agricultural output is essential to meeting that demand,” Tang says.

Beyond agribusiness, the partnership, which extends to strategic minerals, is essential to China’s technological development. According to the executive, the strengthening of trade relations began during President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s first administration (2003–2006), when there was direct diplomatic rapprochement between Brasília and Beijing.

China has already invested more than US$100 billion directly in Brazil and, by the Chamber’s calculations, has extended loans totaling another US$35 billion. These resources, Tang says, helped the country achieve financial stability. “Brazil no longer needs to worry about the risk of default. Foreign‑exchange reserves are at healthy levels, largely thanks to the surpluses in trade with China.”

Over time – and all signs indicate these processes will only accelerate – the characteristics of the trade flow between Brazil and China have changed, notes the executive, one of the pioneers of leasing in Brazil decades ago. Whereas the relationship was once driven by agricultural and mineral commodities, today China’s presence in Brazil is advancing into technology and innovation. “China is the only country that is bringing cutting‑edge technologies to Brazil,” Tang said.

One example, says the executive—who is now based in Rio de Janeiro—is Huawei, the telecommunications giant, which was among those responsible for introducing 5G technology in the country about seven years ago. Now, according to Tang, the company is already working on 6G. The automotive sector has also received significant investments from Chinese automakers, which are bringing electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as new manufacturing models for South America. Several of these Chinese groups’ arrivals have even involved the active participation of the Brazil–China Chamber’s team.

There are also bolder projects underway, Tang explains, such as the potential assembly of satellites on Brazilian soil. “I have also been in contact with educational institutions that want to forge partnerships with Chinese universities to offer, for the first time in Brazil, engineering programs focused on artificial intelligence (AI). These technological advances are essential if Brazil is to plug into global innovation chains. It is an opportunity for Brazilian engineers, technicians, and workers to absorb cutting‑edge know‑how,” he says.

In the seasoned executive’s view, the Brazil–China relationship should not be seen merely as a commercial agreement but as a long‑term strategy for national development. “This alliance goes far beyond soy, beef, or ore. We are talking about technology, education, infrastructure, and job creation.” With multibillion‑dollar investments and strategic projects underway, Brazil has before it the opportunity to strengthen its economy and modernize its industry, says the Brazilian executive born on Chinese soil. “This partnership is not only good for the present; it is a path to the future.”

China’s Driving Force

Even China’s recent growth slowdown is no obstacle to the Brazil–China route expanding at a very comfortable pace for both sides. “The country no longer grows at 11% a year, but it maintains 5% on a much larger base. That represents a gigantic volume of growth,” explains Charles Tang, president of the Brazil–China Chamber.

According to the executive, China’s technological advances put the country at the global forefront in several areas, such as artificial intelligence and computer chips. After the trade restrictions imposed by the United States, Tang says, Chinese companies developed homegrown technologies, such as the DeepSeek system and locally produced semiconductors. “This technological independence opens new partnership possibilities for Brazil. We can import innovation and, at the same time, develop solutions together.”

Despite his optimism, Tang acknowledges that cultural challenges still exist for Brazilian and Chinese companies working together. Differences in language, customs, and management methods have already made it difficult to consolidate some joint ventures in the past. “In the beginning, many Brazilian businesspeople said that China was very distant and hard to understand. Today, the whole world wants to know about China.” In the president of the Brazil–China Chamber’s view, it is up to Brazil’s business community to adapt and seize the opportunities. “There is no need to fear Chinese industry. We should harness these companies’ financial and technological strength to reinforce the national industrial base.”

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The Interview Series: Brazil <-> World Route is a space for guests to share their perspectives and insights on the commercial relationship between the Brazilian and global markets. The information and opinions expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author. This text does not necessarily reflect the views of Estadão.