China and Brazil have signed a plethora of cooperation documents in fields such as infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, new energy, artificial intelligence (AI) and development strategy alignment, part of their efforts to promote bilateral ties, according to a statement released by China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) seen on its website on Monday.

Liu Sushe, vice-minister of NDRC, and heads of relevant Brazilian departments witnessed the signing of the memorandums on July 5 local time. The two sides signed the memorandum of understanding on the second phase of cooperation in aligning the development strategies of the two countries, agreeing to expand cooperation in AI and more, according to the statement.

Officials of NDRC and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Brazil signed a memorandum of understanding on establishing an AI application cooperation center. The agreement aims to promote collaboration in AI, including consolidating the foundation for AI development, providing open-source and open-access services and supporting talent cultivation.

In addition, the two sides also pledged to expand collaboration in infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and new energy development. These areas were included Memorandum of Understanding on the Second Phase of the Cooperation Plan for the Alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), said the statement.

The meeting came as Premier Li Qiang arrived in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro on July 5 to attend the 17th BRICS Summit. Li Qiang said that China is willing to work with Brazil to leverage their complementary strengths and expand cooperation in digital economy, green economy, sci-tech innovation and aerospace, during his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Following the meeting, the two sides witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in such fields as fiscal and financial affairs, AI, development strategies alignment and aerospace, according to Xinhua.

Analysts said the signed documents mark a significant step in deepening the strategic partnership between China and Brazil. They are expected to drive mutual economic growth and technological progress.

According to a report of the South China Morning Post on Monday, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chinese Premier Li Qiang agreed to cooperate on applying AI to improve agriculture in both countries. One of the projects will be the establishing an AI laboratory focusing on supporting family farming, through a partnership between Brazil's National Semi-Arid Institute and the Chinese Agricultural University, said the report.

Source: Global Times

Date: 2025-7-7