Graves and Deese meet with U.S. CEOs ahead of the U.S.-Brazil CEO forum

Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves, National Economic Council (NEC) Director Brian Deese, and Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago met virtually with the U.S. section of the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum to discuss opportunities to increase bilateral trade and investment with Brazil across industry sectors. The meeting was held in advance of a special session of the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum, during which representatives from the Forum delivered a set of joint recommendations for strengthening the U.S.-Brazil commercial relationship to both governments.

“The Department of Commerce and NEC look forward to reviewing the Joint Recommendations. These Joint Recommendations, supported by the U.S. and Brazilian CEO leadership in the forum, play an invaluable role in setting goals to strengthen the U.S.-Brazil commercial relationship and deepen ties between our countries,” Deputy Secretary Graves said.

The U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum brings together up to 12 U.S. and 12 Brazilian CEOs to develop joint policy recommendations for the U.S. and Brazilian governments on ways to increase bilateral trade and commerce. The forum is co-chaired by the Secretary of Commerce and NEC Director on behalf of the U.S. government; it is co-chaired by Brazilian Minister of Economy and Presidential Chief of Staff on behalf of the Brazilian government. Mauro Gregorio, CEO of Dow Silicones, is the U.S. private sector co-chair and Marco Stefanini, CEO and founder of Stefanini IT Solutions, is the Brazilian private sector co-chair.

The joint recommendations the CEO sections presented seek to advance commercially meaningful reforms that will increase two-way bilateral trade, revitalize both countries’ economies, provide opportunities for the workforces of both nations, and promote common commitments on sustainability and climate change.

During the meeting, the two governments also highlighted the progress that has been made in response to previous CEO Forum recommendations. The meeting featured a presentation by a representative from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announcing the launch of the Global Entry in Brazil, a previous  CEO forum recommendation. The governments remain committed to prioritizing the private sector’s recommendations to foster mutually beneficial economic growth.