Brazil’s first trade mission to Cyprus and Israel departs today. The mission is headed by the Brazilian Minister of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade, Luiz Fernando Furlan.
In his visit to Cyprus, tomorrow, July 20, and Thursday, July 21,, Furlan is expected to negotiate the expansion of bilateral trade in areas such as oil and gas, aviation, and military equipment.
According to data from the Ministry, trade between the two countries between January and May of this year totaled US$ 36 million, compared with US$ 6 million during the same period last year.
Over the same five-month period, trade between Brazil and Israel amounted to US$ 303.9 million in 2005, 6.5% more than the US$ 285.4 million registered in 2004.
On the 24th the Brazilian mission will meet in the Israeli capital, Tel-Aviv, with the scientist Eli Oper, who is the leader of the local government.
The program for this date also includes visits to the Weizmann Institute of science and technology and the Teva Pharmaceutical company, which is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of generic medicines and has plans to establish a branch in Brazil.
In Jerusalem, on the 26th, Furlan will meet with the Israeli Ministers of Infrastructure and Environment. The Brazilian Minister may also be received by Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon.
On the final day of the trip, July 27, Furlan will participate in the 2nd Brazil-Israel Business Encounter, organized by the Brazilian Export Promotion Agency (APEX-Brasil).
This will be followed by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Agency and the Israeli Institute of Exportation and International Cooperation.
ABr – www.radiobras.gov.br