Brazil, Mexico sign agro and biofuel cooperation accords

The Vice President and MDIC Minister Geraldo Alckmin led an official mission to Mexico and signed memorandums of understanding on cooperation in agropecuary, biofuels, trade facilitation, and investment promotion between Brazil and Mexico.

• Main action: Signed memorandums on biofuels and agriculture to deepen cooperation including technology transfer, exchange of equipment and methodologies, promotion of bioenergy carbon capture and storage, and support for sustainable fuels (ethanol, SAF, sustainable maritime fuels). The biofuels MoU aims to leverage Brazil’s expertise in sugarcane ethanol and accelerate development of feedstock and biofuel industries through experience exchange, transfer of technology, and the creation of a technical working group to plan and update a joint Plan of Work. Meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum scheduled for 28 August at the National Palace to discuss trade negotiations, food security, and energy transition; Alckmin will also meet Mexico’s Secretary of Health David Stalnikowitz, and conclude with an ABPA event.

• Background and implementation details: The mission includes a delegation of more than 100 businesspeople and government representatives (ministers Fávaro and Simone Tebet; Maria Laura; presidents of ApexBrasil, Conab, Anvisa; representatives from Ministry of Health, Fiocruz, Butantan; CNI). The agriculture MoU covers production, technical support for small and medium producers, sanitary measures, research and innovation, rural finance and insurance, and measures to facilitate agricultural trade. Parties committed to adapt beef traceability legislation without prejudice to Brazilian beef exports. A business forum (ApexBrasil / Secretariat of Economy) began the day prior to 28 August to promote exports, investments and capacity building under the Nova Indústria Brasil and Plan México initiatives.