This week, we talk about how China moves to know more about Brazil. Scientists believe they’ve found the origin of the massive oil spill in the Northeast. Why are things so expensive in Brazil? How Brazilian markets performed. Also, what you should be looking out for this week—and the most important facts of the previous seven days. (This newsletter is for platinum and gold subscribers only. Become one now!)
Chinese people learning more and more Portuguese
Since 2011, when the Beijing Language and Culture University opened a Portuguese department, it became the second most-sought-after foreign language in the university, behind Spanish (not considering English, which is mandatory in schools). The choice is linked to a growing demand for professionals in Chinese companies, banks, and government institutions based in Brazil.
Why it matters. China is Brazil’s main trading partner—and one of its most significant investors: for every BRL 10 invested in the country between January 2015 and June 2017, BRL 3 came from China. By improving its level of Portuguese, China is preparing to set an even bigger footprint and influence in Latin America’s largest economy.
That contrasts with Brazil’s sheer ignorance of China. A 2017 survey showed that only 0.34 percent...