Lula talks about PAC projects and energy transition with the president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

On Monday morning (4), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and Dilma Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank (NDB), at the Planalto Palace, accompanied by the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad.

Liqun congratulated Brazil for organizing the G20 agenda and Minister Haddad for the successful meeting of the Group's finance ministers in São Paulo last week. He also expressed his admiration for President Lula's statements on the necessary restructuring of global financial governance. He also praised President Dilma's work at the head of the New Development Bank (NDB).

» High-resolution photos (Flickr)

President Lula emphasized recent measures that have resulted in above-expected GDP growth, a drop in unemployment, and an improvement in the country's business environment, all based on improved political, fiscal, and social stability. In this regard, he mentioned tax reform, infrastructure investments outlined in the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), and the priority given to energy transition, an area in which Brazil is already a leader and has enormous potential.

Lula also mentioned the opportunities represented by the presidency of the G20 this year and the BRICS and COP30 next year, so that Brazil can advance the agenda of sustainable development, the fight against poverty and inequality and the reform of global governance.

Jin Liqun expressed an interest in collaborating with Brazil as a strategic partner, particularly in Latin America. He was particularly interested in funding projects that would promote trade and economic integration with Asian countries. He also commented on her recent trip to the Amazon, agreeing with President Lula that it is critical to promote human development in the region so that the forest's inhabitants become partners in its preservation while also leveraging the opportunities it provides in a sustainable manner.

President Dilma emphasized that there are numerous opportunities for the NDB to collaborate with the AIIB in Brazil on the various projects planned by the new PAC. She recalled that infrastructure issues were a top priority during her presidency of Brazil and President Lula's first terms, particularly in areas such as roads, railroads, ports, basic sanitation, and renewable energy.

President Lula emphasized that Brazil urgently needed to invest in infrastructure. He emphasized Brazil's unique potential in renewable energy, as well as its health care system.