A senior official in Brazil, Moreira Franco, has described the Sino-Brazilian economic relationship as extremely important for his country, Xinhua reports.

The Chinese government-run news agency quotes Mr Franco, the chief minister of the general secretariat of the presidency, as saying so in a meeting with representatives of Chinese companies operating in Brazil in the energy, information technology, construction, steel, mining and automobile industries.

Mr Franco said investment by Chinese companies in Brazil created jobs for Brazilians and so increased household incomes, and made other big contributions to the economy.

He said Brazil was making progress in improving its environment for business and investment.

Chinese companies can solve any problems they have by talking to Brazilian companies, associations or government bodies, Xinhua quotes Mr Franco as saying.