The Taoiseach will meet the President of Brazil, Mr Fernando Henrique Cardoso, today to discuss how Ireland can strengthen political and economic links with the Latin American country.
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President of Brazil, Mr Fernando Henrique Cardoso
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According to a Government press spokesman, South America is an area where Ireland needs to develop stronger trading links. He said that Brazil, with a population of 160 million, is the largest trading bloc in South America.
He said that Brazil’s economy has experienced a recent downturn and Mr Cardoso will be interested to learn how Ireland’s current economic boom came about.
"Brazil wants to do more trade with the EU and I'm sure Mr Cardoso will be interested to find out about Ireland’s relationship with the EU," he said.
Mr Ahern will address the Brazil Confederation of Industries in Sao Paulo tomorrow. The Government spokesman said the Taoiseach will be concentrating on trying to increase opportunities for indigenous Irish industries in Brazil. He pointed out that Kerry Group, CRH and the Smurfit have already established successful industries in South America.
Over the next few days the Taoiseach will visit the State capital Brasilia, the Irish studies department of the University of Sao Paulo, the Federation of Industries of both Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro and Irish Missionary projects based in Brazil.