Brazil is at a turning point in various aspects, such as changes in domestic priorities and foreign policies. Japan needs to stay abreast of changes and be aware of the opportunities in Brazil.
Since winning the 2002 election, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has led the nation with composure and pragmatism. As a result, the country has been better able to stabilize the economy and, in the evaluation of the international money market, has been seen as following the correct path toward sustainable growth.
In fiscal 2003, Brazil had a trade surplus of about 25 billion dollars, a record figure.
The situation in early fiscal 2004 is also encouraging. The currency is stable and the inflation rate, 8 percent last year, has been on the decline. The domestic interest rate is still a bit higher than desired but it is also on the decline.
Of high priority for the government are social issues, especially combating poverty and hunger. The government has put the greatest emphasis on reducing the gap between the rich and the poor and dividing wealth.
The "zero hunger project" represents efforts to cope with poverty. The largest achievement of the project was stirring up discussions across the nation and inviting the whole nation to take part.
One of the most serious problems in the poorest areas of Brazil are children who have stopped going to school. Many poor people have their children work to earn a living.
To solve the problem, Brazil has implemented a project, the first of its kind in the world, to provide subsidies to mothers to help send their children to school and increase their household incomes.
The president has included the issues of poverty and hunger in his foreign policies to exercise his initiative. In Geneva, along with U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, the French president and the Chilean president, he suggested that a world poverty fund be set up. Japan's donations to the fund would be much welcome.
The most important issue in Brazil's foreign policy is to foster strengthened, stable, unified South America through the creation of a democratic South America, strengthening trade partnerships and cooperation in the fields of energy, communication and transport.
The construction and unification of infrastructure under the Regional Infrastructure Integration in South America (IIRSA) and the promotion of trade treaties helps make the idea of a unified South America coherent.
The activities of the IIRSA are not limited to transport, communication and the development of energy resources. The most important thing is not to be restricted by national borders and to create geographical and economic possibilities in common areas.
Our relationship with Argentina is the mainstay of our foreign policy. Brazil has had daily talks with all South American nations in order to maintain close relations with them. We have announced our intention to help them in solving domestic problems in Colombia, Venezuela and Bolivia.
Brazil has launched a model, strategic partnership with China in such important fields as the economy, trade and science and technology, including satellite planning and the joint production of aircraft.
Brazil is the fourth largest country in terms of aircraft production.
Brazil has also maintained constructive relations with the United States. Both nations have led negotiations of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). We both participated in setting up the group of friends of Venezuela and cooperated in making the peace treaty between Peru and Ecuador and have cooperated with each other.
Brazil is trying to further promote partnerships and cooperation with African nations, as a significant portion of our nationals are African descendants.
The first summit meeting between South America and Arab nations will be held this year, as was suggested by Brazil.
Brazil is well-aware that international terrorism is a great threat. We need to solve the problem via multinational talks while respecting human rights and individual freedom. We should not only punish terrorists and their supporters but remove its direct and indirect causes through promoting a generous sense of democratic values.
As a member of the new agenda coalition with Egypt, Sweden, South Africa, Ireland, Mexico and New Zealand, we are aiming at the total abolishment of nuclear weapons. Otherwise, any measure against proliferation of mass-destructive weapons would be insufficient.
Brazil is not a major military power and like Japan does not have nuclear weapons. From this stance, we can both influence the international community, such as at the United Nations.
The Lula government has three main foreign policies axes regarding economy and trade--cooperating in talks at the FTAA, Mercosur and the European Union; exploring joint initiatives with developing nations such as the G-3, comprising Brazil, India and South Africa; and cooperating in talks on agriculture at the Doha Round of the World Trade Organization with the G-20 nations.
By signing free trade agreements with neighboring nations, such as the recently signed agreement between Mercosur and the Andean community, we can build an expanded, unified South American economic zone. The successful partnership with the Andean community has had both economic zones taking the first steps toward a unified regional economy.
Theoretically, economic unification is an advantage when negotiating with other countries or areas, especially the FTAA.
Mercosur has stressed again that it is ready to start constructive negotiation with the FTAA. It also aims to set up a union with the EU. Making these plans a reality will lead to an epoch-making international economic agreement in the world.
Japan has been an important partner for Brazil. Our relationship dates back more than 100 years. Currently, about 270,000 Brazilians live in Japan and about 2 million Japanese-Brazilians live in Brazil. We need to use these ties effectively for our mutual benefit.
I would point out that Brazil has major possibilities for investors. We have many resources, capable personnel and an extensive infrastructure. Our stable economy is well-prepared to again be a major investment nation for Japan.
The accumulated amount of investment from Japan to Brazil by 1995 accounted for 6 percent of the total overseas investment. Now, however, it is a little more than 3 percent.
Brazil and Japan have cooperated in the field of technology for a long time. Typically, under the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the cultivation of soybeans began in Brazil's Cerrado area in the 1970s. This technical cooperation has developed into our contribution to African nations and East Timor.
The 100th anniversary of the immigration of Japanese to Brazil in 2008 is the most remarkable event for marking our exchanges. The anniversary and its various events present opportunities for both nations to better understand each other.
In its 504-year history, Brazil has developed as a multiracial and multicultural nation. It has incorporated customs and influences from various areas to make up a distinctive identity. The influence of about 230,000 Japanese immigrants since the early 20th century is also great.
Japanese-Brazilians in Brazil are a major part of our society. It is impossible to predict a Brazil in the 21st century without them. Sao Paulo, the city with the largest population of Japanese outside Japan, symbolizes their importance.
In the history of the Japanese community in Brazil, Japanese immigrants were warmly accepted in Brazil. They diligently made efforts and made use of chances given to them by Brazil.
Most of the 270,000 Brazilians living in Japan are Japanese-Brazilian. We hope Japan will accept Brazilians more openly and with greater flexibility as Japanese immigrants have been accepted in Brazil.The Daily Yomiuri (Tokyo):
