Modernising the strategic partnership with Brazil

“The strategic partnership between Germany and Brazil that has existed since 2008 must be modernized and expanded to include topics related to digitization and sustainability. In addition, the bilateral government consultations must again take place at regular intervals. Because if not now, then when?” demanded LADW Chairman Andreas Renschler, member of the Group Board of Management of Volkswagen AG and CEO TRATON SE, in the economic and trade policy panel at this year’s German-Brazilian Economic Meeting. These were clear sounds against the backdrop of Natal’s beautiful Atlantic beaches, where the conference organised by BDI and CNI took place from 15 to 17 September 2019.

As one of the opening speakers of the event, the Brazilian Vice President General Hamilton Mourão, who was also acting President at the time, stressed the determination of the government to restore confidence in the country and its institutions – among other things through structural reforms, combating crime, modernising the state and trade liberalisation. This was received with great interest by more than 1,200 guests from business and politics.

In his speech, BDI President Prof. Dieter Kempf stressed the importance of rule-based trade: “The free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur is an important signal in times of backward-looking isolation. And it will also have a positive effect on environmental and sustainability standards in the Mercosur region.”

The Joint Economic Commission met during the conference under the German co-chairmanship of Andreas Renschler and Parliamentary State Secretary for Economic Affairs Thomas Bareiß. Both sides expressed their great satisfaction with the progress achieved in the talks – for example on a new double taxation agreement and other relief for German companies in Brazil. The meeting also focused on expanding cooperation in the areas of infrastructure and digitization.

The next German-Brazilian Economic Meeting will take place in Munich from 26 to 28 August 2020.

EEBA Natal Andreas Renschler
© FIERN
BDI President Kempf
© FIERN
Opening Session
© FIERN
German-Brazilian Economic Meeting in Natal
© FIERN

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