U.S. and Brazil Discuss Trade Facilitation, Import Safety, Etc. During Bilateral Talks
On December 14, 2009, high-level representatives of the U.S. State Department and Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Relations met for the fourth session of the U.S.-Brazil Economic Partnership Dialogue (EPD).
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(The EPD's objective is to review the economic and commercial relationship between the two countries and identify areas for broader bilateral cooperation.)
Highlights of EPD Talks
The following are highlights of the U.S.-Brazil EPD talks:
Trade facilitation, CTPAT, 100% scanning. The Parties noted that bilateral cooperation on trade facilitation has been significant and agreed to continue exploring ways to expedite trade flows between the two countries. Brazil acknowledged the contributions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's CTPAT program in facilitating Brazilian exports to the U.S., but expressed concern over how the U.S. "100% Scanning" process would affect Brazilian companies' exports to the U.S. The Parties also discussed visa application procedures for CBP officials traveling to Brazil to conduct customs and trade validations of Brazilian companies.
Agriculture. The Parties noted the importance of the Consultative Committee on Agriculture in exploring opportunities to increase bilateral agricultural trade, and agreed to convene a CCA meeting as soon as possible. The Parties exchanged views about the importance of a higher participation of developing countries in the "Codex Alimentarius." They also discussed cooperation in the context of the UN FAO, such as in the Codex Committee on Food Labeling.
Telecommunications, Internet. The Parties exchanged views on the issue of mutual recognition of test results in the telecommunications area. The Brazilian side welcomed the adoption of the "Affirmation of Commitments" between the Department of Commerce and U.S.-based Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) which is primarily responsible for managing Internet domain names, and encouraged the U.S. side to adopt the results of the World Summit on Information Society.
Import safety. Brazil indicated its interest in proceeding with the bilateral dialogue on import safety.
Distinctive products. The U.S. side reiterated ongoing support for the recognition of cachaa1 as a distinct Brazilian product in the U.S. market, and presented an update on recent developments on the issue. The Brazilian side indicated its intention of giving equally positive consideration to the more recent U.S. request related to Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey. The Parties agreed to push for the timely implementation of solutions to both matters.
Haiti. The Parties expressed their desire to explore ways to enhance joint cooperation with Haiti. Brazil reiterated its intent to extend a preferential trade program to Haiti similar to the U.S.'s HOPE II. The U.S. noted that its future activities in Haiti would be informed by an intensive strategic review it expected to complete in January, with a likely focus on agriculture, energy, health and security.
1A popular Brazilian liquor distilled from the juice of unrefined sugarcane juice.
State Department press release (dated 12/16/09) available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/dec/133722.htm