Although China and Brazil share a relationship dating back more than 200 years, even a casual observer would know there was a significant gap in the late 20th century.
From the 1940s both countries were busy forging their own paths and largely ignored what the other country had to offer. Formal diplomatic relations started in 1974, but the Brazilian business community was frustrated at the slow pace of development in trade relations.
Brazilian Minister for External Relations Antonio Patriota acknowledges "there is a very visible and mutually beneficial relationship between Brazil and China - but we would like to make this more sophisticated so that we can both benefit even further".
Brazil's Columbia Trading company, which has a presence in over 40 countries, deals in commodities and manufactured products, exporting coffee, sugar and cotton from Brazil and importing manufactured products from China.
The warning signs of some economic overheating are there, but experts are insisting that Brazil is undergoing a positive expansion, not a credit bubble.
In 2009 Brazil climbed eight places to rank 56th out of 133 countries in overall competitiveness as other BRIC countries either climbed more slowly or even dropped significantly, as was the case for Russia.
Development and planning strategies for mining and energy in a growing economy sometimes cause local concern. As Brazil still has industrial growth ahead, the discussions intensify.
Editor's note: Jos Carlos Martins, executive director for marketing, sales and strategy at Brazilian mining firm Vale, talks about the importance of business with China.
Brazil's ports are spending more on infrastructure to increase trade with China, and there is a lot at stake both for the ports, their operators and the country.
Brazil, the world's fifth largest country, will have to do something about its incredible traffic growth and the burden it places on the transport infrastructure, if it wants to capitalize on its growing trade opportunities.
The English language teaching business has evolved considerably over the past few years, with many new companies getting involved, and aggressively marketing their products. It is a globally competitive business.
When you hear Carlos Martins talking about doing business in China it should come as no surprise that his company has already made a great leap forward in the country.
Editor's note: The president of Wizard, Carlos Wizard Martins, speaks about how his company has improved international business communications and how he personally will be helping language learning in China.
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