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An Economic Revolution That Didn’t Happen: China’s R$ 9 Trillion Investment in the Mega Project of Mataraca and the Suspicions That Brought It Down, Since It Is 120 Times Greater Than the GDP of Paraíba and Almost Equal to Brazil’s Total GDP.
Prepare to witness a historical transformation that almost happened in the heart of Northeast Brazil. Mataraca, a small town in Paraíba, was set to become the new epicenter of global development with a colossal investment of R$ 9 trillion from China. Imagine a futuristic metropolis, with a state-of-the-art offshore port and cutting-edge infrastructure, emerging where only 8,300 inhabitants currently live. However, this ambitious project was abruptly canceled due to a series of suspicions and irregularities that came to light.
This ambitious project not only promised to revolutionize the local economy and transform the city into a futuristic urban center, similar to Dubai and Doha, but also aimed to place Brazil on the map of major global powers of innovation and development.
China Buys Brazilian City for R$9 Trillion!? What Did China Want in Paraíba?
Mataraca is a town located in the Northeast region of Brazil, near the border with Rio Grande do Norte. With an area of 174 square kilometers and a population of just 8,300 inhabitants, the town may seem small, but it has a considerable Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of R$ 230 million. Its economy is diversified, with highlights in tourism and mining.
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Mining, particularly titanium extraction, is the main economic activity in the municipality. This mineral is highly valued in the international market, attracting interest from various countries. However, the logistics for export are a challenge, as the loads must be transported over a 121-kilometer road to the port of Cabedelo, increasing costs and decreasing efficiency.
Chinese Investment
A group of Chinese investors, known as Brasil CRT, expressed interest in overcoming these logistical barriers. They plan to build a megaport offshore and transform Mataraca into a city of the future.
The proposal was discussed in meetings with the local city hall, and a letter of intent was signed on December 11, 2023, with the presence of mayors from the region, state secretaries, federal government representatives, a priest, and council members. At the event, the anthems of China and Brazil were performed, along with a prayer to bless the new enterprise.
What Is an Offshore Port?
The offshore port planned by China for Mataraca will not be a conventional port. This innovative infrastructure will be built away from the coast, similar to oil platforms, allowing accommodation for large vessels in deep waters. This approach is advantageous, as it eliminates size limitations for ships, making Mataraca a strategic point for international companies.
Project Benefits
- Creation of 100,000 jobs
- Attraction of international investments
- Development of local infrastructure
- Boost to tourism
- Modernization of the city
With the construction of the port, it was expected that more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs would be created during the construction phase. Additionally, the port was to become one of the most important in the Northeast, benefiting the local economy and attracting even more investments.
The International City of Mataraca
The project planned by China is not limited to the construction of the port. The proposal includes the creation of an international city that would be a multifunctional and self-sufficient center. Urbanization would be planned to accommodate a variety of housing, from family homes to sophisticated apartments.
Infrastructure Planned by China
The new city planned by China would be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including:
- Renowned educational institutions
- Modern hospitals and clinics
- Diverse commercial spaces
- State-of-the-art sports facilities
- Diverse shopping center
Furthermore, the project envisioned a modern public transport system, with options such as subways and innovative modes of transportation, facilitating mobility for residents and tourists.
The Suspicions and the Public Ministry Investigation
Despite the promising project, it was not free from controversies. The investment amount, R$ 9 trillion, raised suspicions, given that it is 120 times greater than the GDP of Paraíba and almost equal to Brazil’s total GDP. This generated distrust among experts and led to investigations by the Public Ministry of Paraíba. Prosecutor Ellen Veras Ximenes ordered that a letter be sent to the City Hall of Mataraca, which would have a deadline of 30 days to send to the prosecutor’s office the report with the letter of intent signed with the Chinese group and any other documents formalized in the partnership.
Here are some of the suspicions listed below:
- Suspicions that the construction was a copy of a project from a Danish firm for a futuristic district in Shenzhen, southern China;
- The General Consulate of China in Recife stated that Brasil CRT does not carry out official activities as a company on Chinese territory;
- Lack of details on how the resources for the project would be obtained;
- Lack of a website (with organizational information and references to other constructions) or contacts available for communication with the company.
The Cancellation of the Project
After these suspicions became public, the Chinese group decided to cancel the project in Mataraca. In an interview with Folha Online, one of the representatives of the Chinese group, Jianing Chen, refused to reveal which consortia of investors were involved and how many employees worked at Brasil CRT. He also used a proverb to disqualify the questions: “Summer crickets cannot talk about ice, and well frogs cannot talk about the sea.”
In light of the doubts, the Chinese group decided to cancel the project in Mataraca and notified Brasil CRT of this. According to Chen, they will undertake another, larger investment project in another state in Brazil, but did not specify which. The mayor of Mataraca, Egberto Madrugada, who appeared enthusiastic about the promises from the Chinese, did not comment on the cancellation.
Reflections on the Future
If realized, the project could not only transform Mataraca but also have a significant impact on the economy of Paraíba and Brazil. The proposal for an international city with an offshore port represented a paradigm shift for regional development. However, the suspicions and the lack of transparency ultimately undermined the credibility of the venture, leaving Mataraca waiting for new opportunities that may, indeed, materialize.
A ‘ inocência ” de um crescimento . História de brincadeira ,só o Brasil não sabe o que existe nos mares nossos ,continuam querendo que o país e a população fechem os olhos . Até onde iremos nestes olhos grandes e cérebros pequenos .
The american put money to panama , finally made all central america they considered via colonized culture exploited when the land dried the bana country blamed , the asian japon corean , chineas indians are ancient culture , not allow corporate green revolutions green revolution . No one allowed to buy oil from veneuzuala the heavy crude simillar to cana usa . why they rich europe euro money dollar did not invested in business very near , Iran invested , save the people not dead when all money gov being the tax gov in euro , dolar via golpe simillar dilma gov when the poor become more poor why the rich consumed the lower price do nothing now iran buy , why others with dolar euro much valued leave iran to buy it .The fact is the international dolar , tax if the third world iran or chinease are not poor minded
A China quer fazer o Brasil ser sua colonia.
O quê? Outra colonização sem nenhum interesse, como são bonzinhos com os prefeitos brasileiros né?! Pintemos o **** da bandeira de chumbo titânio… o que? Qual cor é o titânio?Serve pra quê, ah não faz mal, afinal agente não palpita no que não sabe né…roubam os brasil e ainda ofendem de ****…pelo menos não vão catequizar ninguém desta vez…espero