The Financial Express
A delegation of 15 members from Mercosur Cooperatives in Brazil is soon arriving in India to explore and foster potential business opportunities.
“This visit holds immense significance as both Brazil and India are home to the largest number of cooperatives globally. It represents a fresh chapter of cooperation that promises to facilitate the exchange of experiences, best practices, and the sharing of cutting-edge technology between the two nations,” Indian ambassador to Brazil Suresh Reddy told Financial Express Online.
According to the ambassador the main focal point of this cooperation is in the agricultural sector, particularly targeting small landowners and small-scale farmers. Additionally, it extends to other industries such as poultry, where Brazil stands out as a hub for small-scale farmers and is known for its advanced food processing technologies. This unique collaboration paves the way for both nations to explore the food processing sector together.
India, being a global leader in agri-tech, is an attractive partner for Brazil. The Brazilian delegation is keen to understand India’s innovative approaches to modernizing farms, agricultural reforms, and opportunities for cooperation. Simultaneously, they are intrigued by India’s robust logistics and supply chain systems. India has witnessed the rise of successful startups, including unicorns in the delivery sector, and Brazil is eager to draw lessons from India’s startup ecosystem and potentially explore opportunities within the Indian market.
A senior officer emphasized the significance of this collaboration by stating, “In the field of agriculture and food processing, a lot of good things are happening. So we’re very happy that all these delegations are coming.”
Adding to the importance of this exchange, Brazil is sending a 85 member delegation led by Mauro Mendes, the Governor of Mato Grosso. This state is considered one of Brazil’s economic powerhouses, boasting a substantial GDP and a prominent role in the export of food grains like soybeans and meat. Mato Grosso is renowned for its mechanized farming, making it a valuable partner for India in the journey to modernize and advance farming practices. In August 2023 Mato Grosso was at number 4 in total exports and at number 13 in total imports in Brazil.
This collaboration presents opportunities for knowledge exchange and innovation in food processing, and it holds the potential to significantly benefit farmers in both countries. The extensive expertise in food processing technologies of Brazil can complement India’s strength in agri-tech, resulting in pioneering advancements in the sector.
Moreover, Brazil’s eagerness to explore India’s logistics supply chains and successful startup ecosystem reflects their desire to learn from India’s experiences and potentially extend their footprint into the Indian market.
With a forthcoming visit by the Minister of Transport from Brazil scheduled for December, the commitment to enhance economic ties between these nations is evident. The visit of this delegation coincides with India’s showcase of its economic growth story. The focus is on the remarkable transformation, including the digitalization of the economy and the emphasis on inclusive growth.
Both India and Brazil are characterized by private sector-led growth, making them natural partners in this venture. As two large democracies, they share common values and objectives, indicating significant potential to elevate their cooperation to a new level.
This collaboration is especially significant as it unfolds in the backdrop of President Lula’s visit to India for the G20 summit. It reaffirms the commitment to fostering a dynamic and progressive relationship between these two nations.
As Brazil’s Mercosur Cooperatives delegation embarks on this journey to explore business opportunities in India, it signifies the commencement of a new era of cooperation, innovation, and growth between two nations that are cooperative giants on the world stage.
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