Brazil seeks Chinese investment for port and airport infrastructure

Brazil's Minister of Ports and Airports, Tomé Franca, has launched an official mission to China to secure investments for federal infrastructure projects. The mission aims to present concession opportunities in the port, waterway, and airport sectors to major Chinese corporations.

Scheduled meetings include discussions with entities such as China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), China Merchants Port Holdings, COFCO, Hutchison Ports, Shanghai Dredging Company, and COSCO Shipping. The delegation will also meet with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and Dilma Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank (NDB).

This diplomatic push follows a significant rise in Chinese capital flowing into Brazil. According to the Brazil-China Business Council, Chinese investments in Brazil reached US$ 6.1 billion in 2025, representing a 45% increase from the previous year. Brazil was the primary global destination for Chinese overseas investment during that period, accounting for 10.9% of the total.

Following engagements in Beijing and Shanghai, the mission will travel to Singapore to sign an agreement between Brazil and Singapore. This pact aims to establish a ‘Green and Digital Navigation Corridor’ to promote carbon emission reductions and the digitalization of maritime transport.