In yet another indication of how important Brazil is becoming on the global stage, the Canadian government has just added it to its list of priority countries for commercial policy. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is behind the move, directing his International Commerce Minister, Ed Fast, to include Brazil in a short list of countries Canada will be focusing its efforts on over the coming years.
Fast, in Brazil last week leading a trade mission of 30 companies, indicated that they feel they have not given Brazil the attention it deserves and are now keen to readjust the situation, with a particular focus on work opportunities stemming from the 2014 Cup and Rio 2016. He also pointed out that the visit is a small step towards a future trade agreement between the two counties. At present, trade between Brazil and Canada amounts to US$5 billion per year.
- In associated news, the US is currently planning a major trade mission to Brazil focused on Green Building. Led by US Business Council Assistant Secretary Nicole Lamb-Hale, the mission is scheduled for the end of August and aims to help promote green exports to Brazil and the benefits and concepts of sustainable design, energy and construction.