G20 business dialog forum launched in Rio de Janeiro
On Monday (Jan. 29), the Business 20 Brazil (B20 Brazil), a business-focused component of the G20, was launched in Rio de Janeiro.
Under the leadership of the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), Brazilian and foreign participants, over a series of meetings in the coming months, will collaborate on a document outlining demands and suggestions for the heads of government and state who will convene at the G20 Summit in November, marking the end of Brazil's presidency of this group of the world's leading economies.
During the launch of B20 Brazil, the Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, Geraldo Alckmin, emphasized Brazil's potential to lead in key global issues such as food security, energy security, and climate action.
"In terms of food security, we lead in both animal and vegetable protein production. In the realm of energy security, we have practically the cleanest energy on the planet. For instance, our significant contribution to decarbonization positions us favorably for upcoming challenges. Addressing climate concerns, the Amazon Rainforest, the world's largest rainforest, is pivotal. Notably, deforestation, a critical issue, has already decreased by 50 percent in under a year," stated the vice president.
Alckmin praised government initiatives for the development of industry, such as actions to reduce business bureaucracy and promote credit through the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES). Alckmin also highlighted the positive impacts of the tax reform, enacted last month.
"The tax reform will significantly ease the burden on investments and exports by eliminating cumulative credit. The introduction of VAT [Value-Added Tax] will provide a substantial boost. This reform will enhance economic efficiency, stimulate the economy, and fortify foreign trade," he added.
Aloizio Mercadante, the head of BNDES, expressed his belief that the G20 could represent the final opportunity for a frank dialogue between nations aimed at reducing inequalities. "The world needs more economic and commercial governance with clearer rules, as the path of the law of the strongest is not beneficial for the global South (developing countries) or for the majority of the planet's population."
The productive sector
Ricardo Alban, head of CNI, supported the New Industry Brazil program announced by the government on Monday (22) to boost industrialization and stressed the importance of the productive sector for the country's development.
"Everyone knows that the manufacturing industry, which adds the most value and technology, has lost ground globally. This is the moment for us to regain that space. Our primary motivation is renewable energies, the decarbonization process. We aim to assist the world in decarbonizing while simultaneously enhancing our own competitiveness and gaining a competitive edge in the international market," Alban noted.
First B20 event
The B20 discussions covered various themes, including trade and investment, finance and infrastructure, employment and education, energy transition and climate, digital transformation, integrity and compliance, sustainable food systems and agriculture, as well as diversity and inclusion in business.
The inaugural event featured a videoconference with Ian Bremmer, an American political scientist and president of the consultancy Eurasia, known for his expertise in global foreign policy.
