Visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Bert Koenders – Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia, July 15-19, 2016

The Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, Bert Koenders, will visit Brazil between 15 and 19 of July. On the 18th, the Dutch Minister will be hosted by Minister of Foreign Affairs José Serra.

During his meeting with Minister José Serra, the main themes of the bilateral agenda will be addressed, including regional and multilateral issues. The two ministers will also discuss trade negotiations between Mercosur and the European Union, in addition to subjects in areas that have great potential for cooperation, such as infrastructure, logistics, education, science, technology and innovation.

Relations between Brazil and the Netherlands have strengthened in past years, especially in the field of investments. The Netherlands have the second largest stock of investments in Brazil. In 2014 and 2013, Dutch investments in Brazil reached USD 8.7 billion and USD 11.5 billion respectively. The number of Dutch companies established in Brazil increased from 50, in 1995, to over 150, in 2013, including big international conglomerates and exporters of high value-added goods and services.

Brazilian companies have recently increased their presence in the Netherlands, accounting for the third largest Brazilian stock of investments abroad.

In 2015, the Netherlands were the fifth largest trading partner of Brazil. Trade flow between the two countries totaled USD 12.5 billion, with a Brazilian trade surplus of nearly USD 7.6 billion. Brazilian exports to the Netherlands exceeded USD 10 billion while imports totaled USD 2.5 billion. Brazil benefits from the Rotterdam port as a gateway to the sale of Brazilian goods in several European countries.