Rousseff shows Merkel investment possibilities in Brazil

The German chancellor arrives on Wednesday and is to inaugurate the

Published on 19/08/2015 - 16:04 By Luana Lourenço, Michèlle Canes, and Paulo Chagas report from Agência Brasil - Brasília

Angela Merkel e Dilma Rousseff

President Dilma Rousseff is to host German Chancellor Angela Merkel today (Aug. 19). Roberto Stukert Filho/Presidência da República

President Dilma Rousseff is to host German Chancellor Angela Merkel today (Aug. 19).  An extensive schedule has been planned with a focus on attracting investment into Brazil.

Government representatives say Rousseff is to show Merkel possibilities for infrastructure investment under the Logistics Investment Program, launched in June in a bid to direct the attention of German companies towards the projects. Investments in Brazil's infrastructure are estimated to total $58.6 billion, benefiting highways, railways, ports, and airports.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Relations, Germany ranks  fourth among Brazil's trade partners. In 2014, commerce between the two nations amounted to $20.47 billion.

The meeting between Rousseff and Merkel starts tonight with a work dinner at the Palácio da Alvorada, the president's official residence, and will be attended by a number of ministers from both countries. In addition to bilateral issues, discussions should address such international topics as climate deals and a reform at the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

Ambassador Oswaldo Biato Júnior, director of the Europe Department at the Foreign Ministry, reported that the German delegation comprises the chiefs of Foreign Relations, Agriculture, Health, Transport, Environment, Economic Cooperation and Development, Culture, apart from deputy ministers for Economy and Energy, Defense, Education, Finance, Labor, and Social Affairs.

“Expectations are very positive. It's a key opportunity for us to intensify the dialogue between the two governments and address a wider range of topics,” the ambassador noted. He also views the visit as a chance to forge deals in several areas.

The meeting with government leaders inaugurates the Brazil-Germany High Level Consultation System, a mechanism developed by the European country in collaboration with other nations, Brazil being the only nation in Latin America among them. Biato remarked that the Germans regard Brazil as the emerging country where values are closest to those of Europe, “so there's a particularly strong interest in cultivating Brazil.”

On Thursday morning (20), the Brazilian president is scheduled to meet with Chancellor Merkel in private at the Palácio do Planalto, the presidential palace. Official meetings are slated to end with a lunch with government leaders at the Palácio Itamaraty, seat of Brazil's Foreign Ministry.


Translated by Fabrício Ferreira


Fonte: Rousseff shows Merkel investment possibilities in Brazil

Edition: Talita Cavalcante / Nira Foster

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