Brazilian products are displayed at the First China International Import Expo in Shanghai on November 5, 2018. [Photo/VCG]

Beijing's autumn is the best season for guests, particularly those from far away. At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will pay a state visit to China on October 24-26.

President Xi Jinping will hold a welcoming ceremony and banquet for the Brazilian leader, have formal talks with him and attend a signing ceremony of cooperation documents. Other senior Chinese officials will also meet him separately to exchange views on China-Brazil relations and other issues of common concern.

China and Brazil are important emerging economies. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 45 years ago, relations have maintained a momentum of steady development. In 2014, the two countries expressed their willingness to construct a comprehensive strategic partnership. Mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields has been fruitful. As a matter of fact, this type of bilateral cooperation has become a model for developing ties among emerging economies.

On August 15, President Bolsonaro exchanged congratulatory messages with President Xi, saying, "Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Brazil and China have always upheld the goal of common development, and we are proud of the diversity and maturity of bilateral cooperation.

"Trade and mutual investment between the two countries continue to grow, and cooperation in strategic areas such as aerospace has been sound, fully reflecting the nature of mutual benefit [....] I would like to work with President Xi Jinping to jointly plan the future path of the Brazil-China partnership for the benefit of the two peoples."

In order to further promote bilateral relations, it is necessary for both sides to focus on the following three issues:

First, efforts must be redoubled to develop economic and trade relations in a more vigorous way.

These are the basis of any kind of bilateral relations, particularly in the age of globalization. Therefore, China and Brazil should actively make use of the opportunities offered by the Belt and Road Initiative, and strive to diversify their economic and trade relations in the framework of WTO so that they can make greater contributions to their own national economic and social development.

It is important to stress that the development of China-Brazil economic and trade relations must continue to be based on their own unique comparative advantages. In China's case, it is abundant labor, strong manufacturing capacity and great market potential, whereas Brazil is rich on natural resources.

These comparative advantages constitute distinct complementarity. In the age of globalization, this complementarity strengthens the foundation of the bilateral economic and trade relationship.

Second, China and Brazil need to join hands in resisting hegemonism, bullying, unilateralism and protectionism.

These have all caused great harm to international laws and rules, the international system and the international order, hindered the pace of globalization and undermined North-South relations and South-South relations. Both China and Brazil are victims. Therefore, they need to speak with one voice at various multilateral occasions to promote multilateralism and free trade.

Third, both sides must enhance mutual understanding.

At present, there are many mechanisms and channels for people-to-people exchanges. Portuguese has now become a trendy foreign language in China. Many Chinese people indulge in Brazilian football games, songs and Samba dance. In Brazil, Confucius Institutes and Chinese cultural products can be easily found.

The possibilities are endless, as both countries have historic relics, spectacular scenery and tourist attractions. Tourism should be a new engine to push forward people-to-people exchanges between the two sides.

Indeed, as many Chinese and Brazilian scholars have pointed out, China-Brazil relations, based on political trust, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, can be a model for other emerging economies in today's world.

The writer is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

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