Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited Brazil on August 8th and 9th. The Brazil Canada Chamber of Commerce joined that important visit in Brasilia during August 8th, and in Sao Paulo, on August 9th, where the Prime Minister, after a meeting with Governor Geraldo Alckmin, spent the day talking to Brazilian and Canadian Entrepreneurs.

During the visit, President Dilma Roussef and Prime Minister Stephen Harper signed four very important agreements to increase the level of trade and investment between the two Countries. During the meetings in Brasilia they strongly focused on the special moment and perspectives of business between Canada and Brazil. They also assured, along with Ministers from both Countries, full support to develop a growing relationship between Canada and Brazil in all Business Areas. That was reinforced in São Paulo by the Prime Minister which had an enthusiastic reception from the Businessmen which attended the events.

Raul Papaleo, President of Brazil Canada Chamber of Commerce, with Prime Minister Harper

The agreements focused on the following points:

- A Social Services Agreement (SSA) between Canada and Brazil – the SSA will benefit individuals who work for Canadian companies in Brazil and Brazilian companies in Canada. They won’t have to contribute to two distinct social security programs and will still benefit from their pension benefit in their own countries.

This agreement will allow Canadians and Brazilians who have lived and worked in the other country to qualify for old-age, disability and survivor benefits from both countries.

With the large increase in recent years in business mobility and bilateral investments between the two countries, the SSA represents a very welcome change.

- MOU on Olympic cooperation

An MOU, providing a framework for collaboration and sharing of best practices.

Canadian companies (particularly in the infrastructure sector) may benefit from contracts in Brazil related to the upcoming World Cup and Summer Olympic Games which will be held in Brazil.

- Canada-Brazil Air Transport Agreement

This agreement will help promote two-way tourism, facilitate business travel and student exchanges. It will allow airlines from both countries to operate unlimited scheduled air services to any city in the other country, and to operate between countries in-between and to countries beyond.

These changes also support the potential for flights to Brazil during the World Cup in 2014 and the Summer Olympic Games in 2016 and of course it will benefit active Canadian businesses in Brazil (including all sectors of the economy, including SMEs) that use airlines to travel back and forth between the two Countries.

- Establishment of a Canada-Brazil CEO Forum.

The creation of a Canada-Brazil CEO Forum will provide a platform to business leaders in Canada and Brazil and will contribute to build strong trade and investment ties.

Mr. Rick Waugh – President and CEO of Scotiabank – was announced as the Canadian co-chair of the new Canada-Brazil CEO Forum. Brazil has selected Mr. Murilo Ferreira, President and CEO of Vale S.A., as its co-chair. Mr. Ferreira brings extensive experience to the Forum as the head of one of the world’s largest mining companies.

Increasing and deepening trade and investment between Canada and Brazil will directly benefit Canadian workers, businesses and their families by creating jobs, prosperity and increased economic growth, while also strengthening Canada’s competitive position.

Raul Papaleo, President