“As we look to the future of the U.S.-Brazil relationship, it’s clear that together, we can achieve much more in terms of trade and investment and reach our full potential as partners,” Brilliant said. “Our role in the private sector is to forge a trade policy agenda that leverages the mutual benefits of this relationship to the greatest effect.”

While in Brazil, business executives representing U.S. companies from the health care, IT, consumer goods, agriculture, and energy sectors, among others, met with Brazilian government leaders to discuss the Council’s key priorities, including the initiation of formal negotiations towards a potential U.S.-Brazil trade agreement and a bilateral tax treaty (BTT) and the elimination of visa requirements for tourists and business travelers.

“The U.S. business community is committed to strengthening the U.S.-Brazil relationship and contributing to a positive agenda that benefits both countries,” Brilliant added. “We are optimistic about this relationship and hope to work together to achieve its full potential.”

The Brazil-U.S. Business Council, founded in 1976, is the oldest and largest U.S.-Brazil bilateral trade sector group. The U.S. section of the council represents more than 115 of the largest U.S. investors in Brazil and operates under the administrative aegis of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

International trade and investment are key components of the Chamber’s 2015 American Jobs, Growth, and Opportunity Agenda, an ambitious plan to help revitalize the American economy, create jobs, spur growth, and lift incomes.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. Its International Affairs division includes more than 70 regional and policy experts and 25 country- and region-specific business councils and initiatives. The U.S. Chamber also works closely with 117 American Chambers of Commerce abroad.

Signing of Cooperation Agreement Part of Chamber-led Delegation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber-affiliated Brazil-U.S. Business Council (BUSBC), leading a business delegation to Brasília, today signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI) to conduct studies on a potential trade agreement and report back to both governments on their findings.

“This marks a watershed for the U.S.-Brazil relationship,” said Cassia Carvalho, executive director of the Brazil-U.S. Business Council. “It illustrates the commitment that the private sectors of both our countries have to boosting growth and jobs by promoting bilateral trade and investment.”

“Brazil is currently the United States’ ninth largest goods trading partner, but there is room to grow that relationship,” noted Jodi Bond, vice president for the Americas at the U.S. Chamber and signatory of the Cooperation Agreement on behalf of the council. “This joint effort by the private sectors of both countries will shed light on exactly where the opportunities and challenges lie within the framework of a mutually beneficial agreement.”

The BUSBC-led delegation brought more than 50 business leaders from 31 U.S. companies to Brazil for meetings with government officials and policymakers in the energy, defense, and technology sectors. Throughout the trip, the delegation focused on its top policy priorities, including beginning a dialogue regarding possible agreements on trade and taxes and establishing visa-free travel between the two countries.

The trip was also the first opportunity for many members of the U.S. business community to observe Brazil’s changing political landscape following the recent re-election of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.

The Brazil-U.S. Business Council is the premier business advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening the economic and commercial relationship between the two countries.

International trade and investment are key components of the Chamber’s 2014 American Jobs, Growth, and Opportunity Agenda, an ambitious plan to generate stronger economic growth, create jobs, and expand opportunity for all Americans.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. Its International Affairs division includes more than 60 regional and policy experts and 25 country- and region-specific business councils and initiatives. The U.S. Chamber also works closely with 117 American Chambers of Commerce abroad.