A full house and thunderous applause for China's fashion show at the National Theater last night heralded the opening of the Sino-Brazilian Women's Culture Week in Brazil.

Marcia Campos, president of the Women's Federation of Brazil (WFB), said the exchange would contribute to unity between Chinese and Brazilian women.

"Our cooperation will set an example for women in other parts of the world," Campos said. "Women from different countries can work together to build a more prosperous society."

Gu Xiulian, chairwoman of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), is heading a delegation of about 100 Chinese women who are launching the Culture Week program.

Coorganized by ACWF and WFB, the week includes seminars on women's political participation and women entrepreneurs, photo exhibitions, handicraft workshops and fashion shows both in the capital and in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, the country's two economic powerhouses.

The program will "be a showcase of China's development," showing the Brazilians the charm of Chinese culture and the elegance of Chinese women, Gu said.

"The long distance between the two countries should not necessarily block their friendly co-operation," Gu said at the opening ceremony. Culture Week ends next Wednesday.

Gu said: "The women from both countries will learn from each other to work for better co-operation between sisters from the two countries."

(China Daily June 9, 2005)