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Canning House held a Business Breakfast on 16 January, in conversation with HE Antonio Patriota, Ambassador of Brazil to the United Kingdom.
Canning House held a Business Breakfast on 16 January, in conversation with HE Antonio Patriota, Ambassador of Brazil to the United Kingdom.
In his opening remarks, the Ambassador put forward that Brazil today is a “country of the present;” his response to the adage that the country is one “of the future, and always will be.”
Expanding on this, Ambassador Patriota highlighted Brazil’s commitment to democracy, sustainable development, and peace, both domestically and as defining characteristics of its foreign policy; all issues central to global discussions, in which Brazil seeks to play an increasingly prominent role. Notably, the country will be hosting this year’s G20 summit, and 2025’s COP30 climate conference.
Ambassador Patriota argued that of the many possible paths towards ‘net zero,’ Brazil’s chosen route is contributing not only to combatting climate change, but also to promoting social progress, and reducing inequality and poverty. He further affirmed Brazil’s commitment to the Social Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, reemphasising its balancing of growth, social development, environmental responsibility and advocation for peace.
His focus then moved to the successes of the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which came to power just over one year ago. Economically, Brazil has exceeded its GDP growth forecasts (up 3.1%, versus a predicted 1%), whilst reducing unemployment and controlling inflation. In trade, Brazil’s agricultural industry has supplied a substantial trade surplus with its top trading partner, China, with Brazil now the world’s leading exporter of products including soya, coffee, beef and orange juice.
All that, Ambassador Patriota said, came in a year in which Amazon deforestation sharply declined thanks to renewed conservation efforts.
Still, he acknowledged work to be done: infrastructure was highlighted as one area in need of focused investment, with roads, rail and ports all in need of upkeep in some parts of the country.
Turning to Brazil’s relationship with the UK, the Ambassador hailed the 200th anniversary of UK-Brazil bilateral relations taking place in 2025, and expressed his appreciation of the UK’s support of Brazil’s bid for permanent accession to the United Nations Security Council.
He emphasised too, however, that the relationship could be deepened. Ambassador Patriota compared the GDPs and trade flows with the UK of both Latin America and the ASEAN countries, arguing that Latin America’s larger economy, yet smaller trade with the UK stands out as an obvious opening for expansion.
Looking ahead at ties, that potential for increased trade, new strategic partnership in “all areas,” and an opportunity for constructive discussion at the G20 this November were highlighted.
Discussion then opened to the table. Attendees, including businesspeople, investors, diplomats and legal professionals, raised questions and comments on the Mariana dam disaster claim; mining and critical minerals; sustainable fuels, innovative infrastructure and government-to-government collaboration; taxation agreements; coverage of Brazil in the British media; and artificial intelligence, education and collaboration.
Canning House thanks HE Ambassador Patriota and the Embassy of Brazil for their participation in this Business Breakfast; and our attendees for their engagement and interest. For more information on Canning House Business Breakfasts, or any of our other events, please get in touch.
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