Amid the historically strong ties between China and Brazil and the advent of the next Golden 50 Years of partnership, from November 18 to 20, Li Chengwei, Party Secretary of Henan Agricultural University (HAU), led a delegation to Brazil. This visit aimed to deepen collaboration with South American universities and advance international joint educational initiatives, leveraging the establishment of HAU’s South America Center as a strategic opportunity. Accompanying Li were Academic Vice President Tang Jihua, College of Agriculture Party Secretary Jia Lei, Professor Yuan Zhiliang from the College of Life Sciences, and staff from the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation.
On November 18, the delegation visited the University of São Paulo (ranked first in South America in the 2024 QS World University Rankings). Both parties engaged in extensive discussions on the establisment of HAU's South America Center and reached a consensus to sign an implementation agreement. They agreed that the center would serve as a platform for personnel exchange and research collaboration, promoting industrial integration in fields such as crop breeding. Both sides aspired to transform the center into a hub for inter-university cooperation, industry connections, and governmental collaboration, aligning with their mutual goals. Additionally, they concurred on jointly establishing an overseas educational institution under HAU.
On November 19, the delegation visited the Federal University of Viçosa, where a framework agreement was signed to foster collaboration through the South America Center. The university committed to actively participating in teaching and research initiatives at United Graduate School of Chinese Modern Agriculture, sending high-caliber experts to China for teaching and research roles. Both parties discussed pooling resources to establish the China-Brazil International Joint Industrial Research Institute and the China-Brazil International Graduate School, jointly applying for a Belt and Road International Joint Laboratory, and creating an integrated platform for scientific research and industrial services. They also explored establishing a Confucius Institute at the Federal University of Viçosa, reaching preliminary agreements on these fronts.
On November 20, the delegation visited the Federal University of Minas Gerais. The discussions focused on student and faculty exchange programs, interdisciplinary collaborations, and the university’s role in the South America Center. A cooperation agreement was signed, emphasizing the acceleration of technology transfer and the deep integration of academic research with industry. Both parties agreed to jointly apply for major international research projects, establish international joint laboratory platforms, and produce high-quality academic outputs. The Federal University of Minas Gerais expressed keen interest in collaborating on crop science, life sciences, and bioengineering and anticipated future exchanges of students for full-time joint programs.
Li Chengwei emphasized that the South America Center would enhance the mutual utilization of educational resources, broaden the scope of higher education collaboration, and explore innovative global education models to cultivate future agricultural science talent with global perspectives, innovative spirit, and a commitment to rural development.
This visit resulted in substantial cooperation agreements with renowned Brazilian universities, marking a new milestone in bilateral relations. The initiatives not only benefit students but also advance research innovation, industrial collaboration, and cultural exchange, contributing to the development of higher education in both China and Brazil.
