President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrives in Japan to open new markets for Brazilian beef
During his official visit between Monday and Wednesday, Lula will seek an agreement that would allow Brazilian beef to enter the Japanese market and explore the possibility of opening negotiations for a free trade agreement with Mercosur.
Specifically, the Brazilian government will attempt to convince Japan to send a technical mission of health authorities to Brazil to inspect the country's beef production conditions and lift the current restrictions on Latin American products in the world's third-largest meat buyer.
Japan was Brazil's third-largest trading partner in Asia last year, with trade totaling some $11 billion and a Brazilian surplus of $148 million.
The official visit comes at a time when Brazil is beginning to look for markets to direct products that may be restricted in the United States due to President Donald Trump's tariff policy.
This also comes at a time when the Latin American giant is seeking alternatives to reduce its dependence on China, the largest destination for its exports, amid the uncertainty generated by the current trade war.
On Tuesday, Lula will meet with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
That same day, the emperors will host a dinner at the Imperial Palace to honor the Brazilian progressive leader and some of his entourage, which includes eleven ministers and the presidents of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, and the Chamber of Deputies, Hugo Motta.
On Wednesday, the Brazilian president will participate in the Brazil-Japan Business Forum with business leaders from both countries and will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who will also host him at a dinner at Akasaka Palace.
Ishiba and Lula are expected to agree on an "action plan" aimed at strengthening various areas of bilateral cooperation, including security and investment, according to diplomatic sources.
After his visit to Japan, Lula will travel to Hanoi on Thursday for an official visit starting Friday. He will meet with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who visited Brazil last year to begin talks aimed at establishing a strategic partnership between the two countries.
Also on Friday, the progressive leader will meet with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong.
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