U.S. Commerce Secretary Encourages More Partnership with Brazilian Businesses

Sao Paulo

(left to right) Cummins, Inc. CEO Tim Solso, Ex-Imp Bank Chairman Fred Hochberg, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Ambassador Tom Shannon, Cummins VP for Latin America Luis Pasquotto and CG Tom Kelly.

Sec. Locke and CG Kelly inspecting an Embraer regional jet

Carrying President Obama’s message of an equal partnership and increasing business ties, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke arrived in Sao Paulo on March 20th, a day after participating in meetings with Presidents Barack Obama and Dilma Rousseff in Brasilia.  In the capital, he co-chaired the sixth meeting of the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum, which offered the opportunity for prominent business leaders from both countries to recommend steps to improve the bilateral trade, business and investment environment. 

In Sao Paulo, after meeting with executives at FIESP on March 21, Secretary Locke delivered the keynote address at the American Chamber of Commerce, pointing to ways Brazil and the United States can expand bilateral trade and investment while strengthening each other’s ability to compete in the global economy.  He argued that the common interests the two countries share – lowering trade barriers, promoting a bilateral tax treaty, working on research and development, increasing educational ties, and advancing the use of renewable energy – will serve to promote their individual and mutual presence in world markets. 

Secretary Locke also toured the plants of U.S. engine manufacturer Cummins, Inc. and the Brazilian firm Embraer, two prime examples of the growing trade and business links between our countries.  Consul General Tom Kelly noted that “Secretary Locke’s visit to Sao Paulo reflects a commitment of the United States to increase engagement with the Brazilian business community as the economies of both countries are becoming ever more closely connected in our globalized world.” 

Link to text of the Secretary’s keynote speech:

http://www.commerce.gov/news/secretary-speeches/2011/03/21/remarks-american-chamber-commerce-brazil