In Japan, Minister Fávaro calls mission a key step for advancing trade relations

Celebrating 130 years since the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation, Carlos Fávaro, Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, joined President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s delegation on a pivotal visit to Japan. This trip reaffirms a shared vision for stronger ties. 

On March 24, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) delegation met the Japan Meat Trade Association in Tokyo. Hosted at the Bank of Brazil’s Japan headquarters, this event anchored President Lula’s mission to deepen trade links and expand Brazilian agribusiness opportunities. The association, uniting all Japanese protein importers, convened with Luis Rua, Mapa’s Secretary of Trade and International Relations, the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries (Abiec), and over 20 members. Talks focused on fortifying the Brazil-Japan partnership and paving the way for Japan to import Brazil’s beef. 

“We’re optimistic about this visit,” said Minister Fávaro. “It could accelerate Japan’s beef market opening. We expect Japanese authorities to soon schedule a technical visit to assess our slaughterhouses and sanitary systems. Plus, we’re close to a World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) certification in May, declaring Brazil free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination—a must for Japan. With their experts’ visit, we’ll take a major leap forward.” 

Secretary Luis Rua highlighted the meeting’s role in reinforcing Brazil’s global standing. “We showcased the quality, safety, and reliability of our proteins, positioning Brazil as a trusted leader in the worldwide protein market,” he said. “Japan, with its high-value market, is a priority we’re poised to tap into soon.” 

The WOAH recognition was a recurring theme, signaling a trade turning point. 

On March 25, Fávaro and Mapa will meet Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Taku Etō, to push sanitary and technical progress, requesting an on-site review by Japanese technicians. 

130 Years of Brazil-Japan Diplomatic Ties 

The year 2025 commemorates 130 years of diplomatic relations, launched in 1895 with the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation. This pact paved the way for diplomatic offices in 1897 and Japanese immigration to Brazil starting in 1908, forging a rich historical and cultural connection. 

Beyond agriculture, the visit includes meetings with leaders from food, agribusiness, aerospace, beverage, energy, logistics, and steel sectors. Several agreements are slated for signing, spanning public and private domains, in fields like science and technology, sustainable fuels, education, fisheries, and pasture recovery—further cementing bilateral cooperation.