Acting Brazilian President Visits Natal on Charm Offensive for German Investments

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – More than one thousand Brazilian and German entrepreneurs will meet this Monday, September 16th, in Natal, to discuss partnerships in the trade relationship between the two countries.

The 37th Brazil-Germany Business Meeting (EEBA), which runs until the 17th, is organized by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) and the Federation of German Industries (BDI), with the support of the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio Grande do Norte (FIERN). Acting president Hamilton Mourão will take part in the opening of the meeting, scheduled for 9 AM. The German Vice-Minister of Economy and Energy, Thomas Bareiss, has also been confirmed.

Germany is Brazil’s fourth-largest trading partner, behind China, the United States, and Argentina. The participation of the European power in Brazil’s trade chain in 2018 stood at 3.75 percent. More than 54 percent of Brazilian products exported to Germany are industrialized, including mechanical machinery, automobiles, electrical machinery, and pharmaceuticals. In relation to imports, 99 percent of the goods purchased by Brazil from the European country are industrial goods.

A CNI survey of Brazilian entrepreneurs investing in and exporting to Germany showed the main issues that need to progress on both countries’ agendas. The survey was delivered to the Brazilian government to assist the meeting of the Brazil-Germany Joint Economic Cooperation Committee, which will take place on September 17th.

According to the confederation, Brazilian companies also advocate the start of negotiations on an agreement to prevent double taxation (ADT) and mutual acknowledgment between Brazilian and European programs as Authorized Economic Operator (OAS). The program grants differentiated handling of foreign trade operations involving international goods transactions. Among the benefits offered to companies certified by the programs are the simplification, ease, and agility of customs procedures in the country and abroad.

Agenda

Foreign Trade Secretary Marcos Troyjo will attend the event by introducing a panel on economic and political perspectives, together with German Deputy Minister of Economy and Energy Thomas Bareiss.

Also on Monday, at 5 PM, Eduardo Bolsonaro, the president of the Foreign Relations and National Defense Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, will lecture on “Opportunities for foreign investors under the current government”.

Hamilton Mourão should also use his presence in Natal to meet with the governor of Rio Grande do Norte, Fátima Bezerra, who should introduce the state program of Public Safety to the acting president.

Source: Agência Brasil