In Acre, Minister of Development launches opportunity panel of the Mercosur-European Union Agreement in the Amazon

The agreement, according to him, was concluded after 26 years of negotiations and provides benefits for products that meet sustainability criteria. "It is a device that establishes that there will always be preference for products that are sustainable. The entire bioindustry and the industry associated with the bioeconomy, which is very strong throughout the Legal Amazon, will have privileged access to the European market", he stated. READ MORE: Minister of Transport announces recovery of BR-364 and inspection of bridge that collapsed in Acre Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation delivers Infovia with 1,300 km of optical fiber in Acre Minister of Education announces R$ 120 million for Ufac and Ifac during agenda in Rio Branco According to the minister, it is important to increase the participation of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in international trade. To this end, he highlighted the Export Qualification Program (Peiex), developed by ApexBrasil and available in Acre. "Brazil's challenge is precisely to expand the export base to include, above all, small and medium-sized companies, companies led by women and businesses linked to the bioeconomy. Peiex exists here in Acre to guide and prepare new exporters", he explained. Still according to the minister, Acre had a historic performance in exports and is experiencing a favorable moment to expand its presence in the international market. The agenda of the Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services, Márcio Elias Rosa, in Acre includes the launch of the opportunity panel of the Mercosur-European Union Agreement in the Amazon Júnior Andrade/Rede Amazônica Acre "We have never exported as much as this year. We are already close to US$50 million in exports, a record result and around 3.9% higher than that recorded in the same period last year. Our expectation is to end the year with even higher numbers", he said. The state's growth in this scenario, according to Márcio, is the result of actions aimed at opening markets and strengthening local production chains, especially those related to the bioeconomy. Benefits of the agreement The minister also commented on the benefits of the agreement between Mercosur and the European Union. According to him, the gradual reduction in tariffs should increase the competitiveness of Brazilian products in the European market. "The agreement benefits Mercosur more than the European Union. Around 96% of the products we export will have zero tariffs, while 92% of European products will have this benefit when entering our market. Furthermore, our tariff reduction will occur gradually, protecting Brazilian industry", he detailed. The minister also informed that, since the entry into force of the first stages of the agreement, in May this year, 543 Brazilian products have already received zero tariffs for access to the European market. Mercosur signs an agreement with the EU this Saturday (17) Furthermore, it was also necessary to reduce bureaucratic obstacles that hinder exports. According to the minister, the federal government is working to simplify processes, but highlighted the importance of the participation of the productive sector. "Improving the business environment and reducing bureaucracy is a permanent task. We need businesspeople to point out where the difficulties are, so that we can dialogue with our international partners and seek solutions that facilitate exports", he defended. Growth of Acre During the launch of the technology in Acre, the president of ApexBrasil, Laudemir Müller, stated that the state is experiencing a moment of expansion in foreign trade and that it has the conditions to further expand its presence in the international market. According to him, Acre exports have doubled in recent years. "In 2022, Acre exported less than US$50 million. Last year, this value reached US$100 million and, this year, the state already has US$54 million in exports", he highlighted. According to Müller, Acre's strategic location and the agreement between Mercosur and the European Union expand opportunities for products such as açaí, nuts, flour, essential oils, coffee, cocoa and proteins of animal origin. "Europeans increasingly want products from socio-biodiversity and the forest. Acre is very well positioned to meet this demand", he stated. Review Acre’s news programs