New Santana-Port to Guangdong maritime route cuts Brazil-China transit by 14 days

One of the most significant outcomes of the strengthened bilateral relations between Brazil and China is the creation of a direct maritime route connecting the Guangdong Greater Bay Area and the Port of Santana in Amapá, which is currently operating on an experimental basis. Recognizing the impact of this initiative on Brazil’s inclusion in global value chains, the Minister of Integration and Regional Development, Waldez Góes, met on Friday (15) with the Vice-Governor of Guangdong Province, Zhang Hu.

The meeting focused on presenting trade opportunities for Amazon bioeconomy products, particularly from Amapá, which plays a key role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices among traditional communities.

Guangdong, China’s largest economic power, leads the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and is a major driver of national growth and innovation. The province also hosts the largest number of companies operating in Brazil, spanning various sectors, including automotive, industrial, and information and communication technology (ICT).

New avenues for cooperation

During the meeting, Minister Góes highlighted that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area experience could inspire partnerships in bioindustry, energy transition, sustainable infrastructure, urban development, and educational and scientific cooperation. “It is essential to strengthen this cooperation and foster regional development in both Brazil and China. We must explore all trade opportunities beyond soy, coffee, and meat, including products that interest Chinese consumers, such as açaí, cocoa, honey, tea, champagne, wine, and coffee,” the minister said.

In response, Guangdong Vice-Governor Zhang Hu confirmed that the local government is willing to expand bilateral cooperation and enhance logistical integration between Brazil and China through the maritime route linking the Bay Area and the Port of Santana. “This route is still experimental, but Guangdong is committed to strengthening port and maritime connections with Brazil, optimizing route layouts, and improving logistics efficiency,” he stated.

Minister Góes also emphasized that the Brazilian government closely monitors China’s territorial policies and considers dialogue with subnational governments, as well as leading economic and social transformations, essential. “Brazil and China are experiencing one of the best moments of cooperation in decades. There are more than fifty cooperation instruments across various sectors, built under Presidents Lula and Xi Jinping,” he summarized.

The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), which supports national companies engaging with Chinese entrepreneurs in technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence, opened an office in Shenzhen in July. The city is located in Guangdong Province.

Maritime route

On November 4, 2024, Brazil and China signed a protocol to establish a direct maritime route between the Greater Bay Area (comprising Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau) and the Port of Santana in Amapá. The connection reduces transport time by approximately 14 days compared with traditional routes, positioning Santana as a strategic hub for importing biofertilizers and exporting Brazilian agricultural products to China.

In addition to the infrastructure agreement, the Integrated Sino-Latin American Economic and Trade Services Platform was launched in partnership with the Chinese company Zhuhai Sino-Lac and the Santana Dock Company. Minister Góes formalized the protocol during a visit to Amapá, highlighting efforts to simplify trade processes, reduce barriers, and expand strategic Sino-Brazilian logistics cooperation.

Source: Comex do Brasil

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