Chinese Premier Li Qiang Urges Chinese Firms in Brazil to Enhance Global Competitiveness

On July 8, 2025, Chinese Premier Li Qiang participated in a symposium in Rio de Janeiro with representatives from Chinese enterprises operating in Brazil, as reported by Xinhua and HK01. The gathering included leaders from prominent companies such as Bank of China, Great Wall Motors, State Grid, Goldwind Science & Technology, COFCO Corporation, Gree Electric Appliances, Dahua Technology, and Zhongtian Technology, reflecting the expanding presence of Chinese businesses in Latin America.

During the symposium, Premier Li highlighted the rapid global expansion of Chinese companies and their growing significance to China’s domestic economy. Despite facing external pressures, he emphasized that China’s economy has demonstrated resilience throughout 2025, maintaining steady growth, robust domestic demand, and notable advancements in innovation. Li assured the attendees that China’s economy is fully capable of withstanding external challenges and achieving sustained, stable growth, providing a strong foundation for Chinese enterprises operating overseas. To further support these firms, the Chinese government committed to enhancing services and safeguards. This includes strengthening trade and economic cooperation platforms and improving overseas support systems. Additionally, the government plans to introduce more robust policies in areas such as policy consultation, financial services, credit insurance, and security to create a more favorable environment for Chinese businesses abroad.

Li also addressed the evolving international trade landscape, noting the rise of unilateralism, protectionism, and trade barriers. At the same time, he pointed to opportunities emerging from the ongoing global technological and industrial revolution. He encouraged Chinese enterprises to seize these opportunities by taking proactive steps to strengthen their global standing. This involves investing in forward-looking strategies to enhance the competitiveness of “Made in China” and “Created in China” products and services, tailoring offerings to meet the needs of Brazilian consumers, and using Brazil as a hub to expand into the broader Latin American market. Li also stressed the importance of adhering to local laws and cultural norms, fulfilling social responsibilities, and cultivating a positive, accountable image for Chinese businesses.

The representatives of the attending companies expressed their commitment to leveraging their strengths and fostering collaboration to address challenges. They vowed to operate legally and sustainably in Brazil while expanding their presence in sectors such as finance, energy, agriculture, and technological innovation. Through these efforts, they aim to strengthen economic and investment ties between China and Brazil, as well as other Latin American countries, to achieve mutual benefits and shared prosperity.

The symposium underscores China’s strategic focus on deepening economic cooperation with Brazil, a key partner in the Global South. Premier Li’s remarks signal a commitment to fostering innovation, compliance, and sustainable growth, paving the way for closer bilateral ties and enhanced collaboration in the region.