Brazil's Development, Industry and Foreign Trade minister Miguel Jorge, and the minister of Industry of Sudan, Ali Ahmed Osman, should soon sign a protocol of understanding for industrial cooperation between both countries. They met November 20, in São Paulo, to discuss the common interests and sectors. Agroindustry is among the main interests.
According to Miguel Jorge, the protocol should cover partnerships between food processing industries, production of leather and shoes, textiles and garments, metal and electric and electronic products. "We are also going to develop work to bring businessmen from both countries closer together," he said.
The minister of Sudan spoke about the plans for industrialization of his country and about the program for construction of 10 ethanol and sugarcane mills. Osman invited Miguel Jorge to the inauguration, in January, of the first ethanol factory of Sudan, which was equipped with Brazilian machinery.
According to Miguel Jorge, the Sudanese are greatly interested in Brazilian technology for production of ethanol and dual fuel vehicles. Currently, 70% of the fleet of the Arab country is gasoline powered and the government plans to start mixing ethanol into it.
"Brazil is interested in spreading the cultivation of sugarcane for production of ethanol as we need to replace the more polluting fossil fuels," said the minister, who also discussed the possibility of Brazil exporting flexible-fuel vehicles to Sudan.
Another topic discussed between the ministers was the possibility of Brazil sending a team of professionals from the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development (ABDI) to Sudan to verify the areas and sectors that both countries may work in cooperation. "ABDI should also work on taking to Sudan businessmen interested in investing in the Arab country," said Miguel Jorge.
Apart from the industrial sector, the government of Sudan also plans to make agreements with the Ministry of Agriculture of Brazil, involving the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa).
Osman is in São Paulo for the International Conference on Biofuels, promoted by the government of Brazil. The event began on Monday, November 17, and ended Friday, November 21.
Anba
