Wenzhou and Sao Paulo sign an agreement to establish a friendly exchange relationship. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Wenzhou and Sao Paulo officially established a friendly exchange relationship after signing an agreement on June 17.

Sao Paulo, a major political, economic, and cultural center in Brazil, has seen increasingly close economic and trade exchanges with Wenzhou in recent years, and 80 percent of the nearly 30,000 Wenzhou overseas Chinese living in Brazil reside in Sao Paulo.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. The agreement between Wenzhou and Sao Paulo aims to broaden economic cooperation and deepen cultural exchanges, fostering a new chapter of practical and mutually beneficial interactions.

Sidney Cruz, city councilor of Sao Paulo, expressed his hope that the agreement would enhance understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Brazil. He emphasized the importance of consolidating and developing diverse forms of exchange and cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, culture, education, and tourism.

Zhu Xuanchu, president of the Brazilian Wenzhou Association, highlighted the role of the overseas Chinese community in promoting mutual benefits and cooperation between the two cities. He particularly emphasized the potential for increased cultural and educational exchanges, which would benefit young students in both countries.