The US$20-billion Brazil/China Cooperation Fund for the Expansion of Productive Capacity starts operating next week, according to the Brazilian government.

A statement released by the government in Brasilia says the fund will help develop businesses in sectors including digital services, advanced technology, logistics, energy and minerals, agriculture, agro-industry, agricultural storage and manufacturing.

The fund was announced in 2015 with Mainland China pledging US$15 billion and Brazil the remaining US$5 billion in funding in the form of equity or debt investment and directing funding.

The Mainland’s capital is being put up by the China Development Bank, which is offering 15 percent, and the open market.