Brazil's Initiative to Propel Sustainable Amazon Product Exports Takes Flight

Empowering Sustainable Amazon Exports

Brazil has launched Exporta Mais Amazônia, a pivotal program crafted by the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (ApexBrasil), aiming to amplify sustainable exports of high-value Amazonian products.

Program Objectives and Strategies

This initiative seeks to identify, prioritize, and resolve export barriers within the economic sectors of the Amazon region. It endeavors to decentralize the country's exports, primarily focusing on the Amazon area, currently responsible for a mere 8.5% of Brazil's foreign sales.

Connecting Amazonian Entrepreneurs to Global Markets

Jorge Viana, President of ApexBrasil, emphasized the program's goal to unite Amazonian entrepreneurs with international markets. The initiative is set to organize the region's productive sector, highlighting the potential of forest products boasting high added value.

Launch Event and Key Activities

The program's launch event in Rio Branco, Acre, will feature discussion panels, business rounds engaging international buyers from 16 countries, and showcases of local production centers specializing in açaí, Brazil nuts, chocolate, and fish.

Amazon's Potential and Present Challenges

According to ApexBrasil, Amazon-compatible products hold a global market worth around $200 billion, yet the region contributes less than 0.2% to the world's exports of these products.

Addressing Barriers and Solutions

The program aims to tackle hurdles related to business training, trade promotion, regulations, and technology through permanent executive tables. These tables will facilitate monthly discussions to expedite solutions preceding exportation.

Focus Areas and Collaborative Efforts

The initiative includes executive tables dedicated to specific products like Brazil nuts, açaí, cocoa, and Amazonian fish. Collaboration with entities such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Brazilian Forest Service, and Embrapa underscores a holistic approach to problem-solving.

Exporta Mais Brasil Initiative and Priorities

This endeavor follows the launch of Exporta Mais Brasil, a program focused on expanding Brazilian exports across regions, particularly prioritizing microenterprises, women entrepreneurs, and the North and Northeast regions.

Promoting Regional Export Potential

ApexBrasil's efforts aim to uplift regions like the North and Northeast, unlocking their immense export potential. The agency is dedicated to repositioning these areas as integral contributors to Brazil's export landscape.

Past Success and Future Prospects

Under Exporta Mais Brasil, nine business rounds have already been conducted, involving hundreds of Brazilian companies and buyers from various countries, generating over $35 million in business, hinting at a promising future.

Brazil's commitment to fostering sustainable Amazon exports signifies a strategic step toward global market integration while addressing inherent challenges and unlocking the region's vast export potential.