Economic mission to Brazil yields 39 agreements

From 22 November to 1 December 2024, Princess Astrid led a Belgian economic mission to Brazil. Ports, aviation, renewable energy, infrastructure, healthcare and gaming, but also pears and chocolate: it was all on the agenda. And for a moment, the iconic statue of Christ over Rio de Janeiro shone in the colours of the Belgian flag, courtesy of Belgian cutting-edge technology.

Brazil, isn't that the land of radiant beaches, irresistible samba and crazy carnival? And that of the Amazon Rainforest, the world's largest tropical rainforest in the world, which is under serious pressure? Sure. But did you know that this country – the largest in South America – is also the ninth largest economic power in the world? And its political role should not be underestimated either.

With its nearly 8.55 million km², Brazil is 280 times larger than Belgium. Furthermore, its population is more than 18 times higher than ours: 212 million (2022) compared to 11.7 million (2023). Nevertheless, our country is the 6th largest foreign investor there. And in terms of imports and exports, we are not doing badly either (see figure box). This has its historical reasons.

King Albert I’s tree

As early as in 1834, Brazil was the very first Latin American country to establish diplomatic relations with the very young Belgium. Immediately, countless Belgians moved to the far-flung Portuguese-speaking country to contribute to the electricity, railway and tram networks. In 1895, a mission led by the Belgo-Brazilian Louis Cruls explored a central plateau where the capital Brasília would eventually be located in 1960.

During WWI, Brazilians showed enormous sympathy to the ravaged Belgium. That is why, in 1920, King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth became the first foreign heads of state to visit the Brazilian republic. During that visit, King Albert planted a tree in Rio de Janeiro's botanical garden, which was accompanied by a plaque. During the recent economic mission, his great-granddaughter Princess Astrid sought out the tree in question and took a photo of it.

But Leopold III also loved Brazil. In the 1960s, he made several visits to the Amazon Rainforest. Among other things, he did anthropological research there and took many valuable photographs. King Philippe has also already been to the country, on the occasion of the Olympics (2016) and the FIFA World Cup (2014).

400 participants

It is therefore not surprising that Brazil was chosen this year for an economic mission led by Princess Astrid. Since last year, trade has shown a slight downward trend, while both countries mean a great deal to each other: in food and sustainable agriculture; pharma and chemicals; renewable energy; circular and bioeconomy; ports, infrastructure and construction; aerospace; digital and financial technologies; entertainment and gaming; and research in health and life sciences.

Therefore, a delegation of no fewer than 400 participants travelled to Brazil: in addition to the official delegation including Belgian politicians, representatives of some 170 companies, organisations and academic institutions were present. On the agenda: meetings with local companies and academic and research institutions, seminars, tastings and field visits to the main Belgian companies operating in Brazil or their local partners.

With heart and passion

Long-standing collaborations were celebrated, activities were expanded and new activities were launched. Some business leaders probed the possibilities of the Brazilian market. In São Paulo – Brazil's largest economic hub – 29 agreements were signed between Belgian and Brazilian companies and academic institutions. In Rio, another 10 agreements were added.

So, clearly, this type of princely economic mission is bearing fruit. Possibly, in 2025 the mark of 1,000 signed agreements since the start of these biennial princely missions in 2003 will be passed. The princely presence – initially the then Crown Prince Philippe, and later Princess Astrid – is certainly not irrelevant to this. Accordingly, after the mission, the princess received congratulations for her efforts, made 'with heart and passion'.

One novelty was that business leaders were able to sit in on some official political contacts, such as during a videoconference with the Brazilian vice president and during a meeting with the governor of São Paulo. "This gave them the opportunity to make their business pitches in a very targeted manner," Princess Astrid said.
 

Our posts' turn

Needless to say, the excellent organisation also contributes to the success. A princely economic mission is a joint feat of the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency, the FPS Foreign Affairs, and the three regional agencies responsible for promoting trade and investment (FIT, AWEX and hub.brussels).

Especially for our posts in the country visited (see figure box), it is always a real chore to set up such an extensive programme, with countless appointments, travel and lodging. But at the same time, of course, these are also heydays.

Important for our prosperity

The leaders of the regional authorities also expressed great satisfaction afterwards. For example, Flemish Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele stated that "the prosperity we have in Flanders depends on such missions. It is connected to foreign companies coming to invest with us. And vice versa, Flemish or Belgian companies going abroad."

And while the emphasis is on the economic component, a princely mission also provides an ideal opportunity to strengthen ties. This was certainly the case for Brazil, which shares our entrepreneurial spirit and core values, as well as being a bridge between Europe and the BRICS countries. Next year's agenda already includes India (March) and California (October).

Furthermore, during his stay in Belgium in 2023 – on the occasion of the EU-CELAC summit – Brazilian President Lula da Silva invited our King and Queen for an official state visit. That, too, is in the pipeline.