Brazil, China sign deal on biofertilizer route to Amapá state

Representatives of the Brazilian and Chinese governments signed a cooperation agreement this week to create a biofertilizer route, linking Amapá state with Asian region.

The MOU was signed between Companhia Docas de Santana, based in Santana, Amapá state, and the administrative commission of the Zhuhai economic and technological development zone in China, which is responsible for the Sino-Latin American Integrated Economic and Commercial Services Platform.

The agreement defines the guidelines for the creation of a direct maritime route Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau greater bay area and the port of Santana das Bocas in the northern Brazilian state, reducing the transport time by 14 days compared with traditional routes, the integration and regional development ministry said in a statement. 

"This agreement opens the door for a new maritime route between Gaolan port in China and the port of Santana. This partnership promises to modernize infrastructure, reduce distances and create a unique ecosystem of cooperation and sustainable development,” said minister Waldez Góes.

The initiative will contribute to regional development, as the imports will initially be destined for the Amazonas region. In addition to facilitating imports of biofertilizers, the MOU also establishes Santana port as a central hub for trade of goods between Brazil and China, with the goal being to eventually expand exports of agricultural raw materials produced in Amapá and other regions of Brazil to China.

“China will export biofertilizers to Brazil through the port of Santana, which will then be distributed throughout Brazil, especially to the central-west region, as well as remaining in Amapá. In return, we will send the soybeans received at Santana port to China. This partnership will generate jobs, income and opportunities,” he stated.