Missias Dias Photo: Courtesy of Dias

Editor's Note:

Agriculture is one of the important areas of cooperation between China and Brazil. Recently, a Brazilian parliamentary delegation visited China with a focus on China's household agriculture, agroecology and sustainable development practices, to promote agricultural cooperation between the two countries. 

In an interview with Global Times (GT) reporter Qian Jiayin, Missias Dias (Dias), state deputy of Ceará, Brazil and a member of the delegation, said that China's rural revitalization offers valuable experience for developing countries seeking to strengthen rural development. China is a country that is prosperous and respects sovereignty and a country that has successfully helped hundreds of millions escape poverty and achieved significant technological advancements that many other nations have not been able to realize, Dias said.

GT: As a member of the Brazilian parliamentary delegation, you visited Shanghai, Suzhou, Rongjiang county in Guizhou, and other places. During your visit, what insights did you gain regarding China's rural revitalization strategy? 

Dias: First of all, I believe this visit provided me with an invaluable opportunity to interact with and learn about the real situation of Chinese farmers, and to learn from China's experience. Throughout the journey, I realized that the Chinese government has a clear objective: to develop rural areas and ensure that local residents have the necessary resources to thrive within their communities. 

I visited Rongjiang county in Guizhou, one of the last counties in China to overcome poverty, and today, thanks to the government's targeted investments, extreme poverty has been eliminated and improved roads have enhanced logistics and boosted the commercialization of agricultural products in remote areas. In addition, by ensuring housing, public healthcare and education, China has created the conditions necessary for an improved quality of life. These public services are crucial for the current well-being and future prospects of rural residents, especially the younger generations. 

With these efforts and developments, I have witnessed a sense of community well-being and social cohesion in China's rural areas. The improvement in the living standards of farmers has also revitalized the rich local culture, music and art. Overall, China's strategy offers valuable lessons for developing countries seeking to enhance rural revitalization.

GT: Agriculture is one of the key areas of cooperation between China and Brazil. In Ceará, are there any agricultural projects in collaboration with Chinese enterprises? How have these projects impacted the lives of people in Ceará?

Dias: Currently, Ceará and Brazil hold high expectations regarding technological cooperation with China, particularly in the agricultural sector. One notable project involves the use of solar energy in rural communities. In Ceará, solar energy is being explored to power schools, hospitals and irrigation systems, thereby reducing energy costs and enhancing the quality of life for local residents. 

Additionally, there is an ongoing partnership between the state government and Chinese companies to test agricultural machinery designed for Ceará's specific conditions, such as dry soils. The introduction of appropriate mechanisms not only improves agricultural productivity but also alleviates the burden of labor-intensive practices traditionally relied upon by family farmers. I observed promising Chinese technologies convert organic waste into high-quality fertilizer, thereby promoting healthy food production free from harmful agrochemicals. In summary, these collaborative projects - ranging from renewable energy applications to advanced agricultural machinery and sustainable fertilizer production - have the potential to improve agricultural productivity and living standards in Ceará.

GT: What lessons can Brazil learn from China's achievements in combating hunger and poverty?

Dias: I believe the partnership between Brazil and China to eradicate hunger is extremely important. China's success in eliminating hunger - despite being a country with nearly seven times the population of Brazil - offers valuable lessons for us. In Brazil, approximately 14.3 million people still faced severe food insecurity in 2023, which is a sad truth given our country's vast land, abundant water resources and large labor force. 

Despite having the capacity for significant agricultural production, the core issue lies in the existing economic model, which prioritizes exports over domestic needs. For too long, Brazil's agricultural sector has focused on producing raw materials such as soybeans and corn for export. This approach has not only limited our ability to address hunger but has also hindered the country's economic autonomy. What we need is a shift toward food sovereignty. This includes investing in agro-processing, processing raw materials within Brazil to add value, creating jobs and generating higher incomes for our population.

One critical lesson we can learn from China is its focus on improving the living standards of its people as a foundation for national growth and autonomy. This focus on national well-being and food sovereignty is a crucial model that Brazil should consider adopting if we are to successfully combat hunger and poverty. 

GT: Last year, China and Brazil decided to establish synergies between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Brazil's development strategies. Under the BRI and mechanisms such as BRICS, China has developed extensive cooperation with Latin American countries. Under these frameworks, what tangible outcomes do you see from China-Brazil cooperation? 

Dias: Mechanisms like BRICS and its New Development Bank allow us to tackle systemic issues such as sustainable development. For example, Latin America is endowed with vast agricultural lands and the Amazon rainforest - an invaluable global resource. However, the region also faces significant challenges, including deforestation, river pollution and soil degradation. These mechanisms provide an opportunity for Latin American countries to learn from past mistakes. Looking ahead, it is imperative that we not only adopt best practices but also fully leverage our own inherent potential. 

By utilizing these mechanisms, we can learn from the progress made by countries like China, which demonstrate that comprehensive national development is achievable. While economic and trade cooperation is vital, we must move beyond merely exporting products. Acquiring technology from China and other nations that contributes to our economic growth is equally important, as it will create jobs and help develop more domestic industries, much like the path China has taken. I believe Brazil has significant potential, and there is much that China can teach us. With ample opportunities for cooperation, both sides can grow together.

GT: China and Latin American countries are engaging in multifaceted cooperation. However, despite China emphasizing that its interactions with Latin American countries are free from geopolitical calculations, some US politicians still claim it poses a "threat" to the US. How do you view the ongoing narrative of the "China threat" promoted by the US?

Dias: During my visit, I experienced firsthand the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people. For instance, seeing the happiness and freedom of children in the streets made us question how a nation accused of being a threat could foster such an environment. This reality contradicts the negative portrayal pushed by some Western politicians. When we return to our parliamentary work in Brazil, we can confidently say that China is a prosperous nation that respects sovereignty - one that has successfully lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty and made remarkable technological advancements that many other countries cannot achieve. 

The US' "China threat" narrative is rooted in envy. The world is witnessing China's rise to global prominence, but unlike the US, China does not pursue hegemony through aggression. Instead, China promotes cooperation, shares technology and supports development projects. This collaborative approach stands in stark contrast to the US' historically aggressive tactics.