The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) and the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping of China (SBSM) will sign a technical and scientific cooperation agreement on Tuesday.

 

The accord is aimed at improving both sides' cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), as well as their environmental monitoring techniques and research.

 

A Chinese committee has come to Brazil for the signing of the agreement, which is to take place at IBGE's headquarters in Sao Paulo, Tuesday morning.

 

SBSM's Director General Lu Xinshe will lead the group, which is scheduled to visit IBGE's Geodesy and Cartography sectors on Tuesday afternoon.

 

On Wednesday, the committee will fly to Brasilia for a meeting with Brazil's Minister of Environment Marina Silva.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2007)