Invest RS, the development agency of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, recently announced the opening of a permanent office in China. The initiative seeks to strengthen efforts to attract foreign investment and create new trade opportunities for companies from Rio Grande do Sul through a direct channel to Chinese investors, companies and financial institutions.

The representation will be launched as part of the agency’s mission to China, with meetings in Shanghai and Beijing. Invest RS President Rafael Prikladnicki said that the permanent presence will allow the agency to maintain regular contact with Chinese decision-makers and position the state more competitively to attract international capital.

The strategy has two components: attracting Chinese investment to Rio Grande do Sul and expanding export opportunities for companies from Rio Grande do Sul to the Chinese market. In the first area, the agency will prioritise energy, the automotive industry, semiconductors and digital services. On the trade side, agricultural and livestock products will be among the priorities, including grains and animal proteins.

(Source: Brasil 247, 24 August)