In the bustling halls of the Canton Fair, where languages blend and handshakes mean business, Andre de Souza moves with purpose. The Brazilian buyer, a familiar face at the "China's No.1 Fair," has attended over a dozen editions. He isn't just scouting deals—he's bridging connections between Brazil and China.

Andre de Souza, Diretor of GUELCOS, has been bringing Brazilian buyers to China for over a decade. But his own journey to China began much earlier—with a childhood dream of traveling abroad. "I was lucky," he says. "My uncle lived in China. He gave me the chance to visit and I fell in love with the place." Having lived in China for twelve years, China feels like a second home for him.

This year, Andre leads a delegation of buyers from Brazil, each with their own needs and goals. They have a wide range of activities planned: factory visits, supplier meetings, and deal negotiations. At one booth of the Canton Fair, he checks in on a long-time partner. "We're not just here to place orders—we're here to build relationships," he says, greeting exhibitors like old friends.

"China is the best place to start," Andre adds. "The supply chain is integrated, the quality is high, and the support infrastructure—logistics, customs, and more—is all here." His company acts as a guide for Brazilian firms navigating China's manufacturing ecosystem. "We help them overcome barriers and make business possible."

For the buyers, many of whom are visiting China for the first time, the experience is eye-opening. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," says Maria Eduarda. "China's future is unfolding in its own unique way, and we're learning so much—not just about products, but about how business works here."

Andre sees it as a mission: bridging the gap between Brazil and China. "My goal is to close that gap," he says. As the fair continues, deals will be signed, suppliers chosen. But for Andre de Souza, the real success lies in something quieter: the bonds being built between two countries during every Canton Fair.