Press Release

U.S. and Brazil Meet to Discuss CEO Forum Progress

WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez and Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs Dan Price reported today at the second meeting of the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum that progress is being made to implement the CEOs’ recommendations and they look forward to achieving even greater results before the next October 2008 meeting in Brasilia. Gutierrez and Price co-chaired the meeting with Brazilian Presidential Chief of Staff Minister Dilma Rousseff and Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade Miguel Jorge.

“Presidents Bush and Lula recognize the benefits of a strong and dynamic commercial relationship that promotes democracy, commerce and regional stability,” Gutierrez said. “We are building a strong foundation for an economic relationship that’s growing and this forum is an important part of that dialogue. The CEOs have raised critical business issues, including bilateral tax and investment treaties that will help improve competitiveness in both countries.”

“We are committed to the CEO Forum and have a strong interest in making progress that will strengthen our bilateral economic and commercial relations, promote bilateral trade and investment, increase our competitiveness in global markets, and advance economic prosperity for the people of both countries,” Price said.

The CEOs discussed critical business issues, including the conclusion of an agreement in the Doha Round and the negotiation of a bilateral tax treaty and a bilateral investment treaty. The Forum has advanced discussions between the United States and Brazil governments on other important issues such as visas, customs procedures, education, and infrastructure reforms.

The U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum was announced by Presidents Bush and Lula in March 2007. This meeting is second in a series where the Brazilian and U.S. governments partner with the private sector to strengthen our economic and commercial relations.