Brazil-Chile Business Forum: Leaders Emphasize Trade Partnership and Growth

President Lula and President Boric highlighted the strengthening of trade relations at the Brazil-Chile Business Forum in Brasília. Both leaders emphasized the importance of mutually beneficial agreements while addressing social policies’ role in boosting economies. The summit included the signing of 13 agreements across key sectors, further reinforcing their economic partnership.

On April 22, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva joined Chilean President Gabriel Boric at the Brazil-Chile Business Forum in Brasília, aiming to strengthen trade ties between the two nations. This event, hosted at the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), provided a platform for business leaders from Brazil and Chile to engage in discussions on various sectors and explore opportunities for collaboration in trade.

As the forum wrapped up, Lula underscored the importance of mutually beneficial trade, stating, “A good deal is one where both countries profit.” He expressed that while presidents do not directly engage in business, they should facilitate conditions for entrepreneurs to thrive. Furthermore, he emphasized that both nations wish to maintain healthy relations with all countries, ensuring the sovereignty of their respective nations.

Lula also touched on the significance of social policies in economic growth, particularly how improved living standards can lead to increased tourism. He noted that the poorest citizens in Brazil saw a 10.7% rise in income over the past two years—a factor he believes will encourage Brazilian travelers to visit Chile, stimulating further economic activity.

Chilean President Boric acknowledged the current strength of their trade relationship, with Brazil identified as Chile’s third-largest trading partner, behind China and the United States. He praised ongoing efforts to provide a supportive environment for investors, signaling a robust partnership moving forward.

During his remarks, President Boric discussed the South American Integration Routes initiative, which includes the Bioceanic Route project intended to enhance connectivity between Brazilian and Chilean ports. He assured that this infrastructural development would be a long-term state policy, reinforcing regional cooperation with a completion goal set for 2026.

Mario Cezar de Aguiar, Vice President of CNI, voiced gratitude for the collaboration, highlighting the need for a strategic alliance to navigate global uncertainties while working toward a prosperous future. He stressed the importance of dialogue between the public sector and business leaders.

Rosario Navarro, from the Chilean Society of Industrial Promotion, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a plan of action to convert shared ambitions into reality.

Additionally, the summit culminated in the signing of 13 agreements across various sectors, including justice and public security, defense, and technology—a testament to the growing intricacies of Brazil-Chile relations.

In terms of trade details, the two nations experienced a bilateral trade amounting to approximately USD 2.7 billion from January to March 2025, with Brazil exporting significantly more to Chile than it imported, notably crude oil, meat, and automobiles.

Overall, Brazil-Chile relations continue to evolve dynamically, characterized by increasing investments and trade exchanges that benefit both countries, emphasizing their strategic partnership in the broader South American landscape.

In summary, the Brazil-Chile Business Forum marked a significant moment for both nations, emphasizing the collaborative effort to enhance trade and economic relations. With leaders committed to maintaining a beneficial partnership, the signing of various agreements and continued attention to social policies signal a positive path to joint progress. This aligns with both countries’ vision for regional cooperation and economic integration, highlighting their importance as key partners in South America.

Original Source: www.gov.br