Mr. Eliezer Batista, Honorary President, the Brazil-Japan High Level Group,
Former Brazilian Minister of Mining and Energy and Former President,
Comanhia Vale do Rio Doce (now Vale), has contributed an article “Expanding
Japan Cooperation in South America” to the JALAC’s Journal, Latin America
Quarterly (Spring 2017 Issue). The following is the full text of the
article;
More than five decades ago, when the conditions of communication,
transportation and restrictions imposed by post-war treaties were the key,
we were able, in a joint Brazil-Japan effort, to put into practice the new
concept of economic distance, which allowed us to deliver iron ore and other
commodities in Japanese ports at competitive prices. This has enabled Japan
to rebuild its industry and, also, to stimulate development in science and
technology. Both, countries have made tremendous strides, in particular, by
the advent of more than 200 joint industries, as well as cooperation
treaties that have benefited a number of sectors of the economy, reflecting
job creation and improving social conditions.
Innovation with high technological content is the strongest characteristic
in the present and for the future of the humanity. Communication, transport,
energy, medical, agricultural technologies have advanced rapidly and
irreversibly in last decades. It must be emphasized that cooperation between
countries should be the motto in order such advances can, at the same time,
diminish differences in innovation, economic and social issues what is the
key to reach more security for the populations.
Contrary to this assertion, it is important to bring to light two recent
events, one in Europe / European Union and the other in North America. In
the first case, United Kingdom decided to leave the European Union, in the
episode knowing as BREXIT. In the second, the election of Donald Trump as
President of the United States of America brought to the international
political and geostrategic scene a conservationism and isolationism that
could hardly be associated with the United States.
The so-called BREXIT raises concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness
of blocs of countries for common regional development and common trade
policies at a time migration issues overlap with the many other shared
interests. In the case, it highlights, also, doubts about the union of the
countries inside UK itself. At the moment, almost one year of such a
plebiscite decision, it is not possible yet to draw a clear picture of
Britain’s decision consequences to leave the EU. However, there are
indications that England would emphasize commercial agreements with other
countries outside the European bloc, as its commitments to the European bloc
will changed. Japan, Brazil and Latin America need to be aware of this
opportunity. England remains a main actor in scientific / technological
area, as well as, in commercial development, even though it has shrunk in
its industrial area.
In the case of the United States of America, Trump’s campaign promises, lead
to believe that US is going to change the anterior established politics
regarding its traditional partner countries, in industry and trade besides
immigration issues. One of them, is the TPP – Trans Pacific Partnership
Agreement – of which Japan is a member. In the moment I write this paper,
there is, too, a great concern about the questions Trump´s administration
is rising about WTO – World Trade Organization. Nevertheless, about the two,
as well as, other international compromises US was a creator and/or a
member, it requires some more time to be sure about the real direction of
Trump´s politics. However, it is important to monitor the development of
such events in order do not neglecting the opportunities that may open up
for bilateral agreements and even for multilateral agreements that would
blow up in absence of US in that stage and, also, to ones US will privilege.
With regard to Latin America, special in South America, Japan has much to
contribute and to receive in exchange through the huge market this
continental region represents. Otherwise, especially in Brazil, the
technological advances were substantial in the agriculture. However, in
topics such as new sources of energy, high efficiency transportation,
medicine and new drugs among others, Japan reached levels far beyond those
developed by Latin America.
The Wise Man Group Brazil / Japan, over the decades has sought to identify
the areas of mutual cooperation between our two countries. However, even
from what has been said above, it is up to the Brazilian side to add to the
equation of cooperation, so far bilateral, other Latin American countries,
notably the South American ones. I am convinced, from everything I have
known and continue to follow, that Japan could induce a huge leap in the
modernization of transport in South America which would make our countries,
together, more competitive on the international stage. Likewise, such
cooperation could be extended to the generation of clean and high efficiency
energy, in addition to the predominant hydroelectric matrix.
South America needs to see itself as a set of integrated countries and
nothing is more effective for this than transport and energy. Japan can play
a leading role in this regard.
