Lula defends economic agreement between Japan and Mercosur during a business forum in Tokyo

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (PT) proposed, on Wednesday, 26, the formalization of an economic partnership agreement between Japan and Mercosur countries. The statement was made during a business forum held in Tokyo, with the presence of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

“In an increasingly complex world, it is essential that historical partners come together to face the uncertainties and instabilities of the global economy. I am sure we need to advance with the signing of an economic partnership agreement between Japan and Mercosur,” said Lula, according to the newspaper O Globo.

The South American block is composed of Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The proposal occurs amid Mercosur attempts to expand its insertion in international markets through commercial treaties with other countries and blocks.

In addition to the defense of the agreement with Japan, Lula again highlighted the importance of multilateralism and changes in the current international trade system.

“We want free trade so that we can definitely make our countries settle in the movement of democracy, economic growth and the distribution of wealth,” said the president during the event.

Among the points presented by Lula, was also mentioned the need for reciprocal exemption from visas between Brazil and Japan for business and tourism trips. He classified the measure as essential for strengthening bilateral relations. “An essential step,” he said.

Currently, Japanese citizens do not need a visa to enter Brazil for up to 90 days. The reciprocity of Japan, however, is still in the negotiation phase.

The Brazilian government argues that the measure can contribute to the encouragement of tourism, the cultural exchange and the intensification of commercial activities.

During the speech, Lula also commented on the retraction in trade relations between the two countries. According to him, the volume of trade dropped from $ 17 billion in 2011 to $ 11 billion in 2024.

The Brazilian government considers this movement a sign of the need for review in bilateral strategies and seeks to reverse the trend with new agreements.

The president’s agenda in Tokyo is part of a diplomatic effort aimed at diversifying strategic partnerships and strengthening Mercosur’s role in global trade.

In December 2023, the bloc concluded the negotiation of an agreement with the European Union after 25 years of negotiations. The treaty, however, still awaits ratification by the parliaments of the countries involved and by legislative instances of the European Union.

South American leaders have sought to accelerate the entry into force of the agreement with the European bloc, considered a priority for Brazilian diplomacy. The Treaty is expected to open new markets for Mercosur countries and consolidate the bloc as a relevant actor in the global commercial scenario.

Following the closing of the Business Forum, Lula and Ishiba attended a reserved bilateral meeting. The meeting addressed topics related to the expansion of cooperation between the two countries in areas such as investments, technology, infrastructure and sustainability.

The visit of the Brazilian president to Japan occurs amid a series of international agendas focused on the reconstruction of strategic alliances and the repositioning of Brazil in multilateral forums.

The government team considers that recent movements are part of a new foreign policy based on the diversification of partners and the defense of a more balanced international system.

According to Itamaraty, the trip to Japan also includes meetings with entrepreneurs and local authorities, as well as meetings with representatives of the Brazilian community resident in the Asian country.