The head of the largest centre for Mandarin learning in Brazil said there is a growing number of Brazilians studying the Chinese language, Chinese state-run broadcaster CCTV reported.

The Confucius Institute at Sao Paulo State University now has more than 8,000 students learning Mandarin, compared with fewer than 50 when it opened in 2006.

Institute Director Luis Antonio Paulino said: “For Brazilian professionals in many fields – economics, business administration and international relations – being able to speak Chinese is a very important differentiating feature.”

He added: “The biggest problem for Chinese firms that are investing now in Brazil is to hire local staff that can communicate with their Chinese employees.”

The close trade and business ties between China and Brazil are encouraging more Brazilians to learn about Chinese language and culture, CCTV reported.

China is Brazil’s top trade partner: bilateral trade reached US$77.9 billion in 2014.