São Paulo State Governor Joao Doria is in Beijing as part of a week-long visit to China focused on attracting Chinese investment to the state, Chinese news agency Xinhua reported on Monday.

The visit by the delegation, led by Doria, includes 35 Brazilian companies and its highlight is the opening of a São Paulo commercial office in Shanghai, on 9 August, which will be focused on promoting trade and investment in various areas, including education, innovation and technology.

The Brazilian office will also support Chinese investors who want to find business opportunities in the state of São Paulo.

Governor Doria said during the visit, which included Xian, in addition to Beijing and Shanghai, that one of the goals was to find potential partners for 21 Brazilian infrastructure, services and technology projects, valued at more than US$7 billion.

The delegation accompanying Governor Doria includes executives from the Sugarcane Industry Union (UNICA) who want to promote ethanol and showcase the positive impact of using biofuel on improving air quality in Brazil.

Representatives of the sugar and energy sector will attend meetings with companies in the automotive, oil and biochemistry areas. Among the points to be discussed are the Brazilian experience, logistics and possible future partnerships.

The economy of the state of São Paulo accounts for one third of Brazil’s economy.