U.S. Chamber's Brazil-U.S. Business Council to Lead Defense & Security Business Delegation to Brazil

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Brazil-U.S. Business Council will lead a defense & security business delegation to Brazil from April 4 through 8. The delegation, including 20 U.S business executives, will make stops in São Paulo and Brasília to bring together both countries’ private sectors and advocate for key issues on the bilateral defense and security agenda. The trip marks the first time U.S. defense and security industry representatives traveled as a group to Brazil for such purposes.

“This is a pioneer initiative to address an important and strategic area of commercial trade and investment between Brazil and the United States that comes after the Council established partnerships with local defense-specific associations,” said Monique Fridell, executive director of the Brazil-U.S. Business Council. “Both Brazil and the United States have much to gain from a successful defense and security trade relationship, and now is an ideal time to explore such opportunities.”

The Council has published a report on steps for an effective defense partnership. These include the creation of a more favorable legal framework in Brazil, and a firm long-term commitment of the United States to Brazil and its domestic industry. The delegation will meet with Brazilian business and government leaders to discuss the adoption and implementation of these proposals.

“To establish and grow a successful defense and security partnership between Brazil and the United States, we must develop an environment characterized by mutual confidence and reliance,” said Matt Riddle, president of Raytheon International and chairman of the Defense and Security Task Force of the Brazil-U.S. Business Council. “Through a series of meetings and discussions with the government and private sector, this delegation aims to explore new business opportunities and agree on how to achieve a vibrant defense and security partnership with Brazil.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.