Mapa strengthens cooperation and seeks new market opportunities in Japan

From November 4 to 6, Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) conducted a strategic mission in Tokyo focused on strengthening trade relations and expanding the access of Brazilian agricultural products to the Japanese market. This mission held special significance as Brazil and Japan approach the celebration of 130 years of bilateral relations, showcasing their shared commitment to sustainable development, driven by the Green Partnership established at the G20 Agriculture Working Group in September in Mato Grosso. 

Led by Mapa’s Secretary of Trade and International Relations, Luis Rua, the delegation received support from the Brazilian Embassy in Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and ApexBrasil. The mission, which included Deputy Secretary Julio Ramos, aimed to boost exports of beef, pork, melons, and flour while advocating for regionalized measures in the event of avian influenza outbreaks. 

Bilateral meetings were attended by notable figures including Ambassador Octávio Côrtes; Congressman Luiz Nishimori, president of the Brazil-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League; Ambassador Alex Giacomelli, Director of the Department of Trade Promotion, Investment, and Agriculture at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Grace Tanno, head of the Agricultural Policy Division; Marco Pavarino, Mapa's agricultural attaché in Japan; and Henrique Eller, head of the Agriculture Section at the Brazilian Embassy in Tokyo. 

In discussions with Yoichi Watanabe, Vice-Minister for International Affairs at Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), and Shigeki Mori, Director-General of International Affairs, Brazilian authorities emphasized the importance of accelerating the risk analysis process to allow additional Brazilian states, beyond Santa Catarina, access to the Japanese pork market. Progress on beef market analysis was also urged, as it is essential for diversifying Brazil’s animal protein exports to Japan. 

The delegation also advocated for the regionalization of avian influenza restrictions, proposing that Japan adopt measures at the municipal level. This would ensure isolated outbreaks do not disrupt exports from unaffected areas, maintaining the stability of Brazil's poultry sector, a vital part of bilateral trade. 

Brazil underscored the importance of completing the Work Plan for melon exports. Following the recent approval of Brazilian avocados in the Japanese market, the authorization for melons represents another promising export opportunity for Brazilian producers. 

The mission featured a session of the SECOMS, SECTECs, and agricultural attachés meeting, organized by ApexBrasil and led by Jorge Viana with support from Mapa. Participants included agricultural attachés Leandro Feijó and Jean Gouhie (China), Ricardo Zanatta (South Korea), and Marco Pavarino (Japan), who met to align strategies and explore the potential of Asian markets for Brazilian agribusiness. 

At the 25th Plenary Session of the Brazil-Japan Business Council, hosted by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) and Keidanren, with support from ApexBrasil, JETRO, and the Brazilian Embassy, Secretary Rua presented the strengths of Brazilian agriculture—quality, safety, sustainability, and complementarity—emphasizing Brazil’s position as a reliable supplier for Japanese consumers. 

“Following the directives of Minister Carlos Fávaro, this mission reinforces Brazil's role as a trusted trade partner and promoter of food security in Asia. Our goal is to establish Brazilian agribusiness as a leader in quality and sustainability, strengthening relationships that benefit both countries’ producers and consumers. We are optimistic that key issues of interest to both Brazil and Japan will move forward swiftly,” Rua concluded.


Press information
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