China-Brazil Trade: More Brazilian companies eye Chinese market

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Over the years, Brazil and China have increased their bilateral relations. Now, China is Brazil's biggest trading partner. Some small-sized companies also want in on the business opportunity in China. Our correspondent Paulo Cabral has the story.

Direct trade between China and Brazil isn't just for big companies. This Brazilian couple can attest to that.

These entrepreneurs design fishing rods and reels in Brazil, get the products manufactured in China and then bring them back for sale here.

They generate almost a million dollars in revenue annually. And the sports fishing market opportunities are growing.

SIMONE TEIXEIRA PARTNER, PLUSFISH "We want to expand our lines of products. Next, we want to make and import fishing lines and baits, for example. Since we are a small company, we also look for smaller companies in China to do business with us."

It all began with Roberto Cabral's passion for sports fishing. At first, he imported finished products from Spain and Singapore to sell in Brazil. But then he realized that by working with Chinese companies, he could make his products on demand and increase his profits. So he went to China to find partners.

ROBERTO CABRAL PARTNER, PLUSFISH "One big difference I noticed doing business with the Chinese is that you have to name your price. They don't give you a price! You have to say how much you want to pay. And you have to be careful not to offer too little and close the door to business. It's challenging."

PAULO CABRAL RIO DE JANEIRO "Developing an extensive and reliable distribution network was key to the success of PlusFish. Fewer than three years after it was launched, the brand can be found in about 400 shops in several Brazilian states."

The owner of Pesca Del Mare - which has been around for about 20 years - says business ventures like PlusFish are having an impact.

AURELIO DAMASCENO SHOP OWNER, PESCA DEL MARE "Many new companies have been joining the market. If we look eight years back, we did not have such a variety of products and brands. And China is dominating this market. Before, there were only big brands, but now many smaller companies are also competing."

As a result of the escalating U.S.-China trade war, Brazil and China are filling the investment void with each other. And as the connection grows, so do new opportunities- for businesses of all sizes. Paulo Cabral, CGTN, Rio de Janeiro.