Brazilian mining giant sees affinity, common aspirations between Brazil, China

Brazilian mining giant Vale, a pioneer of the economic and trade cooperation between Brazil and China, is optimistic about bilateral ties between the countries and takes a long-term outlook on relations, said a senior executive at the enterprise.

Vale is a Brazilian multinational corporation engaged in metals and mining and one of the largest logistics operators in the South American country.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Brazil and China, while Vale started its trade contacts with China in 1973, one year before Brazil actually established commercial ties with China.

In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Sao Paulo, Alexandre Silva D'Ambrosio, the company's executive vice president of corporate and external affairs, boasted of the company's explosive growth in trade with China over the decades.

"In 1973, Vale Export made its first export of iron ore to China. That was 20,000 metric tons. Since then, we've increased our exports to China and we have reached three billion tons of iron ore over 51 years. Last year alone we exported 186 million metric tons to China of iron ore, and this year we will probably do more than that. So it's increasing and it's a long-term relationship," D'Ambrosio said.

In a meeting with foreign correspondents last month, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said China plays an essential role in the economic growth of Brazil and he hopes to forge a "new strategic partnership" between the two countries.

China's growth in the past 40 years has been notable and Brazil has much to learn from China's development experience, Lula said.

Alexandre Silva D'Ambrosio holds a similar view to the president.

"Many Chinese companies are now investing in Brazil, bringing technology to Brazil. So that's a very direct input of Chinese culture and investment in Brazil, which helps to further the livelihood of Brazilians. Also, there's an exchange in the culture of these two countries. Both China and Brazil have a long-term view of the future. Both China and Brazil are expanding their frontiers to other places in the world, so I believe there's much affinity between Brazil and China," said the executive.

"The Brazilian culture has a connection with development or looking at the future, very optimistic view of the future. I see that the Chinese have the same, and the Chinese can teach us very much about planning, about technology. The urban development in China is an example, a reference to the world how the Chinese have been able to develop their cities without destroying the cultural heritage. So there are many examples of how Brazil wants to achieve the same goals that China has," he added.

Brazilian mining giant sees affinity, common aspirations between Brazil, China

Bishan District in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality is setting a new benchmark in urban drainage through its innovative "sponge city" model.

Bishan District was selected in February 2017 as a pilot for climate adaptation, and has developed itself into a sponge city.

By utilizing permeable bricks, the ground is enabled to absorb water more effectively, enhancing natural infiltration. In addition, rain gardens function as natural reservoirs, while school rooftops have been transformed into verdant green spaces.

Overall, this innovative approach not only helps mitigate urban flooding, but also contributes to improving the local microclimate -- an exemplary model of ecological urban development.

"What is a 'sponge city'? It's an urban development concept that treats the city like a giant sponge -- absorbing water when it rains and releasing it when needed. The system is highly flexible," said Tang Chuandong, a planning designer of the Western Branch of the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design.

Over the recent years, Bishan District has developed mini sponge systems.

"Solid buildings and hard ground aren't very adaptable when it comes to climate change. For that reason, we incorporated sunken areas into industrial park designs to create rain gardens -- mini ecological sponge systems," Tang said.

When it rains, water is collected in these gardens and is filtered through vegetation, soil and sand layers before being stored in underground tanks. Multiple small sponge systems beneath large buildings help disperse, manage and store rainwater more effectively. Additionally, Bishan District's sponge city initiative has made the ground more permeable.

"We've laid permeable bricks with a certain porosity. This allows rainwater to seep into the ground, thereby reducing surface water buildup," said Tang.

Tang also highlighted the ecological benefits of transforming school rooftops into lush green spaces.

"Typical rooftops are just bare concrete. But when building a sponge city, like here at the school, aside from the greenery around us, we also green the rooftop. The area most exposed to sunlight is our rooftop, right? We turned the roof into a green sponge system by laying down soil, scattering seeds, and growing grass. It's like giving the rooftop a 'green jacket'. Doesn't it feel cooler?" he said.

"Don't underestimate the small green roof. As the Chinese saying goes, 'No good deed is too small to be done.' One roof may have limited impact, but if many buildings, or an entire city, adopt green roofs, the effect on urban climate regulation could be extremely substantial," said Tang.

China's Chongqing innovates urban drainage with "sponge city" model