An arresting, panoramic view of Fortaleza, Brazil. [Photo/WeChat ID: XIAMENFAO]
Fortaleza located in the northeastern region of Brazil, is the fifth biggest city in Brazil and the capital of the state of Ceara, with a population of about 2.6 million.
The city is an important industrial and commercial center in Brazil, a transportation hub, a communications hub, and the second largest convention and tourism destination.
In May 2023, Xiamen and Fortaleza became sister cities. Fortaleza is Xiamen's first international sister city in South America.
Fortaleza is adjacent to the important industrial and metallurgical Port of Pecem in Brazil. The port has long-distance shipping routes connecting major ports in Europe and America, ranking 12th in Latin America in terms of cargo throughput, with its operational headquarters located in Fortaleza.
It is also an important communications hub in Brazil, with its submarine fiber optic cables ranking second globally.
The main economic pillar of Fortaleza is the tertiary sector. The commercial and service industries are thriving, with their competitive advantages in areas such as the digital economy, infrastructure construction, cultural education, clean energy, marine ecology, and human resources.
The manufacturing industry includes traditional light industries such as textiles, leather goods and meat processing, as well as heavy industries such as petrochemicals, steel, shipbuilding and repairs, and construction materials. The city is also known for its handicrafts industry, particularly for hammocks and lace weaving.
What's more, the creative economy is one of the driving forces behind the economic and social development of Fortaleza. In fact, the city is home to a total of 914 creative industry companies, which account for 23 percent of the design agencies in northeastern Brazil.
In 2019, Fortaleza joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and it was recognized by UNESCO as a "Creative City".
Another aspect is that Fortaleza is a city known for its strong education sector, with great potential in developing new technologies and nurturing young people.
Its public education system ranks fourth among capital cities in Brazil and first in the northeastern region. To top it off, the city is home to three universities, 24 colleges, and one federal institute for education, science, and technology.
Outbound travelers will be able to explore downtown duty-free shopping in more Chinese cities and more easily access consumer goods of fashionable Chinese brands, an official statement said on Aug 27.
China has introduced more than 110 measures to facilitate the entry of foreigners into China, increasing the number of foreign visitors.
