Rösler opens German-Brazilian Business Days
Dr. Philipp Rösler, Federal Minister of Economics and Technology, opened the 30th German-Brazilian Business Days in Frankfurt today. The conference takes place alternately each year in Germany and Brazil, and this year's motto is "New Strategies for Changed Markets". The talks between leading representatives of government, commerce and science from the two countries are focused on ways to co-operate on expanding the economic relations further, especially with a view to Brazil's hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016.
Minister Rösler commented: "Brazil is our leading trading partner and top destination for investment in South America. I am therefore very glad to have this opportunity to talk with representatives of the Brazilian Government about the further deepening of our economic relations. There is still a great deal of potential, especially in the fields of innovation and technology. I am convinced that this year's German-Brazilian Business Days will again provide an important stimulus for the expansion of our economic relations not only in these fields, but also overall.
Economic co-operation between Germany and Brazil is going well. However, I am greatly concerned about the signs of rising protectionism in Brazil and South America. We must not risk losing our opportunities for growth. I call on the Brazilian Government to commit itself to free trade and to remove existing barriers to trade.Such barriers damage business on both sides."
The volume of trade with Brazil rose to more than ¤22bn in 2011 (13% up on 2010). Our bilateral trade is very evenly balanced. Thanks to the high quality, the technological expertise and the good customer service offered by German manufacturers, products marked "Made in Germany" enjoy an outstanding reputation in Brazil.
