Wenzhou and Rio de Janeiro establish sister city relationship

Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. [Photo/IC]

Wenzhou in East China's Zhejiang province signed a letter of intent with Rio de Janeiro in Brazil on June 30 to establish a sister city relationship, marking the establishment of a formal exchange platform and a new phase of cooperation.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second-largest city, is located on the southeastern Atlantic coast. Boasting natural harbors, it serves as a major economic center of Brazil and South America, famous for its transportation, finance, and tourism industries.

At the signing ceremony, Carlo Caiado, president of the Municipal Chamber of Rio de Janeiro, emphasized China's role as a global economic leader, particularly in innovation and enterprise development. The agreement aims to strengthen interactions, deepen bilateral relations, and promote mutual benefits by sharing experiences and building partnerships.

The Foreign Affairs Office of Wenzhou highlighted the city's growing exchanges with Brazil. In 2024, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of China-Brazil diplomatic relations, Wenzhou established a friendly exchange relationship with Sao Paulo. From 2024 to 2025, Wenzhou delegations visited Rio de Janeiro multiple times, focusing on investment promotion and industry collaboration and signing agreements in agriculture and renewable energy.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws global attention, Brazil's soccer legacy shines. In 2025, a Brazilian delegation visited Wenzhou, fostering exchanges with young players, forming a strategic partnership with Botafogo Football Club, and designating a local school as a youth soccer talent development base.