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U.S.–Brazil Commercial Dialogue Launched
During a four-day visit to Brazil, Secretary of Commerce Gutierrez initiated a new Commercial Dialogue with this important Latin American trading partner. The U.S.–Brazil Commercial Dialogue was officially launched on June 6, 2006, in Rio de Janeiro when U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez met with Brazilian Minister of Development, Industry, and Trade Luiz Furlan. The goal of this dialogue is to stimulate bilateral trade and investment, with a focus on improving the competitiveness of each country. (Story continues below.)
Implementing a Presidential Initiative The Commercial Dialogue is a direct result of meetings between U.S. President George W. Bush and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva in November 2005. At those meetings, the two leaders made a commitment to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries through a new government-to-government dialogue on improving their commercial relationship. “The establishment of this Commercial Dialogue with Brazil is a priority for the Bush administration,” said Gutierrez. “We are working hard with our Brazilian counterparts to ensure that this Commercial Dialogue delivers concrete steps to make both of our nations more competitive in the global economy. By making it easier to conduct trade and investment between our two countries, we can create a win-win situation for both Brazil and the United States.” A Wide-Ranging Focus The U.S.–Brazil Commercial Dialogue will be a government-to-government initiative that works closely with the private sectors of both countries. At least once a year, both governments intend to meet at the ministerial level to carry the agenda forward. Among the key issues that the Commercial Dialogue will address are the following: • Business facilitation. Topics for future discussion will include regulatory practices, business registration, and strategies to move goods quickly and efficiently across borders. • Export and investment promotion. The Department of Commerce and its Brazilian counterpart, the Ministério do Desenvolvimento, Indústria e Comércio Exterior, agreed to exchange information and experiences on the collection, classification, and distribution of statistical data on international trade in services. • Intellectual property protection. Brazil and the United States will promote enhanced technical cooperation on patents and trademarks. The goal, according to Gutierrez, will be an “intellectual property violations-free environment.” • Standards. The minister and secretary agreed to promote cooperation on standards, conformity assessment, and technical regulations by enhancing cooperation and information sharing between the standards-setting organizations of both countries, as well as among other interested private-sector parties. “The partnership we enjoy with Brazil is strong, but we are always looking for ways to make it even better,” continued Gutierrez. “By working together to facilitate business and support entrepreneurship and innovation, the United States and Brazil can increase our commercial ties and build a competitive platform for the Americas.” Top 10 Markets for U.S. Exporters in Brazil in 2005 (in millions of dollars) 1. Computer accessories $1,318 2. Civilian aircraft engines $1,162 3. Organic chemicals $945 4. Civilian aircraft parts $860 5. Semiconductors $692 6. Plastic materials $633 7. Fertilizers $543 8. Pharmaceuticals $470 9. Telecommunications $445 10. Excavating machinery $427 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Statistics, “U.S. Exports to Brazil from 2001 to 2005, by Five-Digit End-Use Code.” |
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