SAO PAULO — The Brazilian economy is just starting to recover and expects more investment from China, Sao Paulo Mayor Joao Doria told Xinhua here Wednesday ahead of his visit to China.

Doria, who is going to visit China from July 21 to July 30, said China is Brazil's most important business partner and Sao Paulo's largest commercial partner.

Sao Paulo is the largest city of Brazil and South America with 12 million inhabitants, said the mayor, thus it's an excellent place for Chinese companies to invest in the areas of industry, commerce, technology and services.

"We have programs to encourage foreigners to invest in Sao Paulo," said Doria, "and we will start in August the largest ever city privatization program. This means that we will offer opportunities to the private segment acquiring services and public properties."

The city is interested in receiving investments in transport, technology, urban mobility, housing, healthcare, and public security, Doria said.

"These are the main areas to which we intend to invite the Chinese investors," the mayor said.