Brazil Urges Japan to Buy Beef During PM Kishida’s Visit
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva extended a warm welcome to Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his inaugural visit to the country. The leaders convened in Brasilia, where President Lula seized the opportunity to advocate for Japanese imports of Brazilian beef.
Push for Beef Deal
Brazil aimed to capitalize on the bilateral meeting to advance negotiations for Japanese market access to Brazilian beef—a pursuit dating back to 2005. President Lula urged Prime Minister Kishida to indulge in steakhouse dining during his visit, emphasizing the quality and affordability of Brazilian beef.
During a press conference, President Lula directed his appeal to Prime Minister Kishida and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, urging them to patronize Sao Paulo’s finest steakhouse to kickstart beef imports the following week.
Brazil’s Beef Export Drive
Under President Lula’s administration, Brazil intensified efforts to export beef globally. Since Lula assumed office in 2023, 50 countries, primarily in Asia, have lifted beef import restrictions. Despite Brazil’s status as the world’s largest beef exporter, accounting for shipments to over 90 countries, Japan primarily sources its beef from the US and Australia.
Environmental Considerations
While Brazil’s beef industry thrives, it also contributes to deforestation in the Amazon and Cerrado regions. In light of these concerns, Japan and Brazil agreed on Japanese support for restoration initiatives in the Cerrado. The leaders also discussed cybersecurity cooperation, investment promotion, and environmental protection.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Kishida highlighted the potential for Japanese-Brazilian cooperation in addressing global challenges, including climate change and sustainable development. Japan pledged $3 million to Brazil’s Amazon rainforest protection fund and emphasized the importance of environmental conservation.
Kishida expressed solidarity with victims of flooding in Rio Grande do Sul and acknowledged Brazil’s significant Japanese community, emphasizing the enduring ties between the two nations.
Next Steps
Following his visit to Brazil, Prime Minister Kishida will travel to Paraguay for a business summit before returning to Sao Paulo to engage with the Japanese community, deliver a speech at the University of Sao Paulo, and participate in a business meeting.
