Claudio Almeida (left) and Welber Barral.

Brazil-US trade relationship was discussed recently at a breakfast hosted by the by the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida in Miami.

Other main topics addressed were the opportunities for American companies in Brazil, prospects for trade and investment in Brazil, and recent developments in the Brazilian economy.

“Florida is the first step for Brazilian companies”, said Barral about the relationship between Florida and Brazil.

The country is the most important Florida’s commercial partner with US$ 4,291 billion on trade.

“It is important that Brazil maintains this relationship and pays close attention to Florida, because it is Brazil’s greatest client”, added Barral.

Claudio Almeida, president of Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce agreed. “The world sees Brazil as a business opportunity”, Almeida said.

During the event, Mr. Barral also emphasized the importance of the trade relationship between Brazil and the US.  He explained that, besides the barriers that exist between the two countries, he hopes to intensify such relationship, since these Brazil and the US are the two giants of north and south Americas.

Some of the attendees asked Barral about the recent retaliation that the country imposed because of a long-standing trade dispute over American subsidies to cotton growers.

The two countries just have reached an agreement.  Under the preliminary deal, Brazil would hold off on retaliation in exchange for American concessions that include the modification of an export loan program and the establishment of a temporary assistance fund for the Brazilian cotton industry.

The broader issues in contention would be deferred until Congress takes up the next farm bill, most likely in 2012.
Infraestructure needed

Barral mentioned that Brazil GDP will grow about 5% and the demand for airports and road construction is immense.
“We need investments in 12 cities”, said the International Trade Secretary.   The country will need close to 250 billion dollars to complete the task.

“Our deadline is 2014”, explained Barral. The country will host the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics Games in 2016.  That could mean significant opportunities for foreign investment.

Christiane Sonoki. Miami