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In bilateral forum with Alckmin, Japanese Prime Minister and business leaders highlight Brazil's economic potential
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, during the event with business leaders in São Paulo: business opportunities - Credit: Cadu Gomes / VPR
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida participated actively in the Brazil-Japan Economic Forum held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in São Paulo. During the event, both leaders, alongside the heads of major Japanese corporations, commended Brazil's economic potential in multiple sectors. Additionally, they welcomed the potential of Brazil’s tax reform to foster investment opportunities.
“Japan will find in Brazil a significant ally in the pursuit of decarbonization,” said Alckmin, highlighting the Brazilian government's dedication to increasing bilateral economic synergy. He emphasized that more than 90% of Brazil's energy sources are renewable. The Vice President underscored the importance of advancing national tax reform, particularly emphasizing its provisions for "full exemptions for investments and exports.”
Japan and Brazil can cooperate effectively on decarbonization efforts.” GERALDO ALCKMIN, Vice President of the Republic
The Japanese Prime Minister welcomed the Lula administration’s commitment to Brazilian neo-industrialization, particularly in artificial intelligence and energy. He underscored Japan’s interest in areas such as hydrogen, ammonia and biomass, as well as the significance of the "historic" approval of tax reform, citing it as a pivotal factor in bolstering Japanese investments in Brazil.
"The Japanese government is dedicated to strengthening economic relations between our countries, particularly in key sectors such as digital technology, green economy, foreign trade, investments and startups," said Kishida, highlighting Brazil's prowess in industries like energy, food, and mining. He expressed optimism that the visit and the business forum would foster "a platform for increasingly robust interaction between Brazilian and Japanese enterprises.”
Kishida arrived in Brazil with a delegation of more than 40 business leaders and expressed confidence that "these executives have identified promising opportunities in this country, and I wish them every success.”
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES - Alckmin and Kishida agreed that Brazil's leadership in renewable energies, combined with with Japan's expertise in cutting-edge technologies like hybrid vehicles, present many business opportunities for both countries.
Present at the forum was Josué Gomes da Silva, president of the State of São Paulo Federation of Industries (FIESP), who urged the Brazilian and Japanese governments, as well as members of the Southern Common Market (Mercosul), to accelerate the conclusion of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). He said this agreement would be key to strengthening the already robust Brazil-Japan relationship.
Shortly before the forum, during a bilateral meeting with Alckmin, Kishida expressed that ongoing studies within the Japan-Mercosul dialogue will persist in exploring avenues to enhance economic relations.
The vice president of the Japan Business Federation, Tatsuo Yasunaga, further underscored the complementary nature of Brazil’s and Japan’s economies. He emphasized that both countries’ commitment to environmental sustainability showcases the potential for addressing global social challenges through expedited business activities within the green economy sector.
RELATIONSHIP - During their pre-forum bilateral meeting, Alckmin and Kishida reflected on the 130-year history shared by Brazil and Japan, which they predicted will continue to grow stronger, driven by its many social and cultural connections. In a light-hearted moment, the Vice President humorously remarked that Japanese-Brazilians speak Portuguese with an Italian accent, in reference to the significant presence of both Japanese and Italian immigrant communities in Brazil.
VISAS - Both emphasized the agreement reached last year to abolish the need for short-term visas for Brazilians visiting Japan. Alckmin expressed confidence in the positive impact of this measure. "Following the visa waiver, I am optimistic about increased exchanges between Brazil and Japan", he said. The Japanese Prime Minister also said that, "The cornerstone of our growth lies with the people”.
VACCINE - Alckmin mentioned the three pivotal advancements that reshaped the world — "treated water," "antibiotics," and "vaccines" — to highlight Japan's contribution to public health with the development of the first polyvalent vaccine against dengue fever, the Qdenga. Brazil became the first country to offer dengue immunization via its public health system by importing this vaccine.