Xiamen businessmen eye trade boom in BRICS countries

In addition to finding success, Caldeira has also found love in China. He and his wife just moved into a new house during the Spring Festival.

"China is my lucky place, and Xiamen is where my happy life unfolds. I love Xiamen," said Caldeira. "I believe my business will be even better this year."

In addition to the growing share of the BRICS economy as a part of global GDP, trade between BRICS countries is also expanding rapidly.

In the first half of 2017, China's imports from the other four BRICS countries exceeded $70 billion, 33.6 percent higher than the same period last year.

Chen Tanxiang, general manager of a textile company in Xiamen, has benefited from deepened exchange between BRICS countries.

In 2010, Chen switched from making plastic bags to manufacturing non-woven fabric, a then-emerging industry. But the industry faded with overcapacity in just three years, and Chen decided to expand his business to Africa.

Chen entered the South African market in late 2012 at an exhibition in Johannesburg, and his company has developed steadily in the country in four years.

He built a sales network with local stores, wholesalers and agents, providing products including disposal bags, shopping bags and storage supplies. The annual sales volume of his company grew from $100,000 in 2012 to more than $2 million today.

For him, the BRICS Summit, scheduled for Sept 3 to 5, means more business opportunities.

"The BRICS Summit to be held in Xiamen is a great chance for South Africans to know the city and will bring trade ties between Fujian and the BRICS countries even closer," Chen said.

"Many African countries have limited the use of plastic bags, I hope I can replicate my business model in South Africa in other countries of the region," he said.