The Brazilian Minister of Foreign Relations, Celso Amorim, declared that the way to strengthen Mercosur is to invest in South America in order to achieve a balance between exports and imports.
Amorim spoke at the II Brazil-Colombia Business Conference to an audience of some 150 Brazilian and Colombian businessmen,
“In this way we strengthen our ties and are better able to participate in global competition with other large economic blocks,” said Amorim.
The minister pointed out that following the creation of Mercosur foreign trade by Brazil, both exports and imports, entered an ascending trajectory that continues today.
Amorim said the fact was that investing in South America was a good idea. “It creates jobs and allows us to produce goods with higher aggregate values and greater sophistication. It is good for everyone,” said the minister.
During his visit to Colombia, Amorim and the Colombian minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolina Barco, signed agreements on commercial promotion, the teaching of Portuguese and Spanish, and exchange programs for diplomats.
Celso Amorim declared that relations between Brazil and Colombia are excellent. He pointed out that Brazil invests in steel, civil aviation, petroleum, footwear and apparel in Colombia.
“What we are doing in Colombia, we are doing in Argentina and Paraguay and other South American countries. Today South America is an important area in our foreign trade efforts. Around 20% of our foreign trade is in this region,” concluded the Minister.
ABr – www.radiobras.gov.br
