President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced that the Brazilian government is drawing up a proposal to join the Belt and Road Initiative, the global infrastructure project led by China.
Lula mentioned the benefits that Brazil could gain from joining the project, which already has 151 countries participating, during the ceremony to release BNDES credit for the Via Dutra and Rio-Santos highway projects.
“As China wants to discuss the Silk Road, we will have to prepare a proposal to discuss: what does Brazil gain if we take part in this deal? What is Brazil’s important part?” asked the president.
Brazil’s possible accession to the initiative was greeted with optimism in China, because as well as strengthening economic ties, Brazil’s entry could mean a significant expansion of the partnership, especially in opening up new avenues for cooperation in areas such as technology, infrastructure and energy.
The president also stressed the importance of recovering Brazil’s international credibility, criticizing his predecessor’s diplomatic stance and highlighting his efforts to improve the country’s image on the world stage.
Lula also highlighted the series of international meetings planned, including the G20 in Brazil and his participation in international events such as COP30 and the BRICS meeting.
