18th Meeting International highlights bilateral relations between Brazil and the United States

SAO PAULO, Oct. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- At the opening of the International Seminar held on September 27th at the 18th Meeting International organized by LIDE - Grupo de Lideres Empresariais ['Group of Business Leaders'], Helio Ramos, ambassador and consul-general of Brazil in Miami, underscored that the two countries are experiencing a very prosperous moment for business. "This event is intended to foster relations between Brazil and the United States," said Ramos. The gathering brought together 200 executives and government officials from Brazil and the U.S. from September 26th through the 29th in Miami, Florida.

Florida governor Rick Scott called for a strengthening of economic relations with Brazil, and criticized the requirement for visas between the two countries during the first panel discussion of the day on "Economic, institutional and tourism relations between Brazil and the United States." "The visa problem is a significant one, because I want to increase our relations with other countries, particularly Brazil," said the Governor, who received support from LIDE President, Joao Doria Jr.

To the Governor of Goias, Marconi Perillo, the agricultural production from his state is a very important part of the trade balance. "Goias is responsible for 50% of national grain production, half of the livestock herds, and 20% of the sugarcane for the production of Brazilian ethanol," he explained.

"Brazilian agriculture is by far the most sustainable in the world," said Roberto Rodrigues, former Minister of Agriculture and President of LIDE AGRONEGOCIOS ['LIDE Agribusiness'] in his talk on "The strength of ethanol and oranges in Brazil's exports to the U.S." In 2012, Brazil's trade balance had a surplus of US$ 19 billion. Agribusiness alone accounted for US$ 79 billion.

Ethanol and orange juice are two products that stand out among potential exports of Brazilian agribusiness to the United States. The crisis in 2008 caused Brazil to reduce the production of ethanol, and at present there are no plants being constructed. "The government wants to fight inflation and one of the ways to keep it from taking off is to freeze gas prices, which results in an increase in the price of ethanol," the former minister explained.

The United States is the second largest market for our orange juice, second only to the European Union. Today there are 27 billion liters produced in Brazil, with a surplus of 6 to 7 billion liters for export. "In August, we exported more ethanol to the U.S. than in the same period last year. The space for growth in the U.S. is tremendous, but it is necessary to make American import duties more flexible," he noted.

More information for the press:

CDN - Comunicacao Corporativa:

Erica Valerio - erica.valerio@cdn.com.br( mailto:erica.valerio@cdn.com.br ), +55-(11)-3643-2710

SOURCE 18th Meeting International