Thread by @ACLatAm

The next phase of the US-Brazil economic relationship: Bilateral perspectives @ApexBrasil @AmchamBR pscp.tv/w/cafbqjFZTEVK…

General Gerson Menandro, Institutional and Governmental Relations Manager of @ApexBrasil, opens today's discussion: "The pandemic has brought huge challenges to rethinking trade and global investment. We have brought together key voices to discuss these issues." #ACBrazil.

“We continue to work on a broad range of topics, but right now we're focused on being the best possible partner of Brazil as we confront this challenge together,” said Ambassador Todd Chapman @USAmbBR. #ACBrazil

“This is one more area where our friendship and our renewed alliance shows itself,” echoed Chargé d’affaires Nestor Forster @BrazilinUSA. #ACBrazil

“The partnership between the US and Brazil on health matters is truly longstanding,” said Ambassador Todd Chapman @USAmbBR. "We have a wide array of assistance and opportunities to exchange scientific and medical information with each other." #ACBrazil

"The focus now is for our governments to improve this relationship so existing areas of partnership can grow, and we can imagine new areas of collaboration," said Ambassador Todd Chapman @USAmbBR. "These technical conversations are progressing at a very rapid clip." #ACBrazil

“In Brazil, travel, tourism, and the durable goods industry have taken the hardest hit,” said Ambassador Forster @BrazilinUSA. "At the same time, there has been tremendous growth in agriculture, and we have shown resilience in our trade relations abroad." #ACBrazil

Regarding travel restrictions between the US and Brazil, Ambassador Forster @BrazilinUSA noted that Brazil took similar public health measures in March, adding, "the pandemic should be a chance to accelerate economic growth in Brazil," particularly around tax reform. #ACBrazil

Ambassador Chapman @USAmbBR emphasized the continued political will he has seen to move forward with economic reforms: "We encourage these efforts, and we believe that these economic reform measures will allow our partnership to grow even further." #ACBrazil

“We have made a lot of progress in regards to trade facilitation. We have ongoing talks on e-trade and regulation, and we expect to have something by the end of the year,” said Ambassador Forster @BrazilinUSA, adding that dialogue has also begun on corruption. #ACBrazil

“There is a tremendous convergence between the private sector and the two governments,” added Ambassador Forster @BrazilinUSA. #ACBrazil

Regarding the chapter-specific trade enhancement process, Ambassador Forster @BrazilinUSA noted, "These types of efforts are crucial for getting rid of red tape, creating transparency, and acting as a stepping stone to further negotiations." #ACBrazil

When could we expect a free trade agreement? “A free trade agreement is certainly a goal for both countries,” said Ambassador Forster @BrazilinUSA. However, he quoted Amb. Chapman @USAmbBR, first, "We should work with the goal of doubling trade within five years." #ACBrazil

“Why does Brazil want to join the OECD? Because we see tremendous synergy between what we want to with our economy and the requirements for OECD membership,” said Ambassador Forster @BrazilinUSA. "One complements the other." #ACBrazil

“This is a relationship that is broad and deep, but in my view, it is one that can be so enhanced,” said Ambassador Chapman @USAmbBR. "You get there by improving the overall business climate in Brazil, and by reducing every non-tariff trade barrier you can imagine." #ACBrazil

“In line with what was said here, I believe we have a great opportunity to enhance the bilateral economic relationship,” said @DeborahVieitas, CEO of @AmchamBR. "We should seize the moment to secure phase one of a bilateral trade agreement in 2020." #ACBrazil

“These actions are feasible, though they demand political support and hard work on both sides, especially in these difficult times,” said @DeborahVieitas, CEO of @AmchamBR. #ACBrazil