On Tuesday, January 27th, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ģirts Krūmiņš, met with Aloysio Nunes Ferreira, Head of European Strategic Affairs at the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), to discuss potential cooperation in agriculture and fisheries, including trade, as well as opportunities to develop business contacts.
State Secretary Ģirts Krūmiņš: “We are interested in cooperation with Brazilian businesses. Latvia can serve as a secure gateway to Central and Northern Europe for companies seeking standards-compliant access to the European market. Latvia has well-developed port and logistics infrastructure, as well as competitive transit services. The signed EU–Mercosur* Free Trade Agreement is expected to improve market access conditions and simplify mutual economic relations.”
During the meeting, the officials discussed the possibility of establishing a business matchmaking platform to promote two-way trade, as well as both countries’ opportunities to attract investment. This would facilitate better coordination of participation in trade fairs and business missions. Latvia invited ApexBrasil to consider using the “Riga Food” exhibition as a B2B platform for Brazilian exporters of agricultural and food products.
Latvia is interested in joint trade missions and in exporting fisheries and dairy products to Brazil. In the fisheries sector, Latvia can export products such as processed, canned and smoked fish. In the dairy sector, exports could include various types of cheese, skimmed milk powder and UHT milk, as well as a range of yoghurts. Brazil represents a promising market for both seafood and dairy products.
ApexBrasil is Brazil’s trade and investment promotion agency, responsible for promoting Brazilian exports and attracting foreign investment. The agency works closely with the Brazilian government and the private sector to support companies in building international cooperation, accessing markets and establishing strategic partnerships worldwide.
* Mercosur countries – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.