Commerce Secretary Gary Locke delivered the keynote address at the American Chamber of Commerce in São Paulo today where he discussed how Brazil and the United States can partner to expand trade and investment, and strengthen each other's ability to compete in the global economy.

Earlier, Locke met with Federação das Indústrias do Estado de São Paulo (FIESP), a prominent trade association comprised of local businesses, as well as Brazilian and American executives at a American Chamber of Commerce board meeting.

Later in the day, Locke toured the Brazilian production and research facilities of Cummins Inc., which produces engines and related components, and emissions solutions technology. Locke was joined by Tim Solso, Chairman and CEO.

Cummins, Inc., headquartered in Columbus, Ind., has invested in the local São Paulo community in which they built their facility.  They created a day care center, built a school and a health clinic, as well created a job training program that teaches unemployed women how to sew.

Secretary Gary Locke is in Brazil as part of the President’s visit to Latin America. The trip is providing an opportunity to engage key bilateral partners, highlight the President’s engagement with the hemisphere, and discuss a broad range of issues, including economic prosperity and job creation through increased trade and partnerships.

On Saturday, Locke co-chaired the sixth meeting of the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum, where U.S. and Brazilian business leaders discussed concrete recommendations to improve trade between the two countries.