Tuesday, June 30, 2015 – 6:30pm
“President Rousseff’s visit to the U.S marks an important opportunity to forge a stronger bond between our nations,” said Donohue. “As the two largest economies and democracies in the Western Hemisphere, it is vital that we work together to realize the untapped potential of our relationship. By working together to increase trade, boost investment, and ease travel between our countries, we can strengthen bilateral ties, drive jobs and growth in our countries, and advance our position in the global economy.”
The 3rd Brazil-U.S. Business Summit aimed to advance the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and Brazil and brought together more than 400 U.S. and Brazilian government and business leaders. Speakers and panelists discussed ways to improve the bilateral relationship in the areas of trade and investment, innovation, and competitiveness.
“The private sector is committed to strengthening the U.S.-Brazil partnership and advancing the mutually beneficial goals of a bilateral trade agreement,” said Ahmet Bozer, executive vice president and president of Coca-Cola International and chairman of the Brazil-U.S. Brazil Council. “President Rousseff’s visit here today demonstrates the Brazilian government’s commitment to engaging with the private sector and opening up a constructive dialogue on issues of common interest to our two countries.”
In anticipation of the presidential visit, a joint letter was sent to President Rousseff and President Barack Obama from the Brazil-U.S. Business Council, the U.S. Chamber, and the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry. The signatories asked the presidents to take steps forward on a bilateral trade agreement, a bilateral tax agreement, and elimination of visa requirements for business travelers and tourists.
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.