EyE on U | Manuel Innocencio Santos Jr.: Mutual understanding paves way for cooperation between HK and Brazil

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil, bilateral economic and trade relations have made significant progress. Brazil is the ninth largest trading partner of China, and China has been Brazil's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years. The long-standing cooperation has greatly fueled the optimism of entrepreneurs from both countries regarding the Chinese market and the prospects of China-Brazil economic and trade cooperation. As BRICS countries, Brazil and China have maintained steady development in their cooperative relationship.

This time, we are honored to invite Mr. Manuel Innocencio de Lacerda Santos Jr., the Consul-General of Brazil in Hong Kong. In the eyes of Mr. Santos, who has rich diplomatic experience, Hong Kong, as the gateway to China, is full of possibilities for regional cooperation with Brazil. In his view, "one country, two systems" makes it possible for ordinary Brazilian businessmen to better adapt to China's overall institutional system, which is why Hong Kong is so important.

However, as we all know, mutual understanding is an open sesame and a stepping stone for bilateral cooperation. To Hong Kong people, Brazil's image is based on football, samba and other sports, but people seldom really get to know this mysterious country across the ocean. Similarly, HK is "curious but not familiar" to Brazil. "Few people know that Brazil has classical music," Mr. Santos said, "I think we really should get to know each other more."

Speaking of recent progress in promoting exchanges, Mr. Santos mentioned the Brazil-Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce which has just been set up. "I am really excited about having been able to put this chamber in function which is beginning to operate this year in 2024."

At the same time, there will be some Brazilian delegations coming to Hong Kong to explore the possibility of more far-reaching cooperation, he said.

What are the possibilities for cooperation between the two places? What can Brazil and Hong Kong do for each other, and how can they get to know each other better? Watch the video for more information!