The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Sao Paulo and the Sao Paulo State Assembly held the founding meeting of the Frente Parlamentar São Paulo & República da China, Taiwan, a parliamentary friendship group, on the evening of Wednesday. In attendance were state legislators, overseas Chinese affairs honorary officials, Taiwanese businessmen and overseas Chinese community representatives, and locals friendly to Taiwan.
Sao Paulo TECO Director Luís K. J. Fong (馮光中) said 90% of Brazil’s 100,000 Taiwanese immigrants reside in the state of Sao Paulo. He said that he hopes the establishment of the friendship group will effectively enhance exchanges in various fields such as economy and trade, investment, tourism, culture, academics, and news between the two sides.
Legislative Assembly State Deputy Gil Diniz stated in his speech that he visited Taiwan last year on behalf of the Sao Paulo State Assembly and witnessed Taiwan's development of freedom and democracy at all levels including religion, politics, and economy. He said that he hopes to support Taiwan's participation in various international organizations through the parliamentary group and benefit the people of both sides through exchanges and cooperation.
Sao Paulo is the most influential and affluent state in Brazil, with 44.42 million residents accounting for 21.9% of the South American country’s total population. The state is also a cultural center and an advanced city with diverse development in the industries of technology, industry, finance, journalism, and art.