Cooperation with Brazil more dynamic than ever
More than 400 participants and 30 high-ranking speakers from both countries came together at the 40th German-Brazilian Economic Meeting (DBWT) at the Autostadt in Wolfsburg at the end of September with one goal in mind: To generate more cooperation between Brazil and Germany and jointly seize opportunities for new projects. From sustainable and innovative technologies, green and digital transformation to mobility and talent. There is no shortage of opportunities. Now it’s up to the players in politics and business.
On the occasion of the DBWT, BDI President Siegfried Russwurm and Gunnar Kilian, Chairman of the Latin America Committee of German Business (LADW) and Member of the Group Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, spoke about important topics in the cooperation.
Siegfried Russwurm:
“Germany and Europe must become more attractive partners for Brazil again. The fifth largest country in the world with more than 210 million inhabitants is playing an increasingly important role on the geopolitical stage and is being heavily courted by other countries. Europe has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to decarbonization solutions and future technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.”
“We must not lose any more time on the EU-Mercosur agreement. The aim must be to successfully conclude the negotiations by the end of the year. This would allow us to bind Brazil and the entire region more closely to Europe and send an important signal of resolve to our global competitors China and the USA. Tariffs would be abolished on 91% of all traded goods, resulting in annual savings of four billion euros for European industry exports.”
“Germany and Brazil have many opportunities to drive forward the green transformation together and thus make an essential contribution to decarbonization. Few countries in the world have such a clean energy mix as Brazil: the share of renewable energies in electricity generation is over 93% in Brazil and over 56% in Germany. We can also strengthen our cooperation by working together on green hydrogen.”
Gunnar Kilian:
“A targeted expansion of economic relations with Brazil is crucial for Germany as a business location in the current phase.”
“With its dynamic growth market, Latin America’s largest economy offers the potential for a sustainable strengthening of German industry. The country is already one of the largest investment locations for German companies outside of Europe, laying the foundations for further economic involvement. This can be further developed if the appropriate course is now set in politics and business.”
“A decisive step in this direction could be an agreement to avoid double taxation of companies. Germany and Brazil should resume negotiations on this and overcome technical hurdles. Tax relief for companies would facilitate long-term investment decisions and promote the further diversification of our economies.”
More about the DBWT24: German-Brazilian Economic Meeting
