The Ministries of Agriculture of Russia, India, China and South Africa have already confirmed their presence at the meeting of Deputy Ministers of Agriculture of the BRICS (a bloc that brings together the five countries), scheduled to take place on July 17 and 18, in Brasília. This meeting precedes the 9th meeting of BRICS Ministers of Agriculture, which will be held in Bonito (MS), in September, with the theme “Promotion of Innovation and Actions for the Development of New Solutions for Food Production Systems”.
The bloc formed by five countries with developing economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) represents around 42% of the world population, 23% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), 30% of territory and 18% of world trade.
Brazil holds the bloc's rotating presidency this year. The emphasis of the meetings will be on promoting science, technology and innovation; the digital economy; and increasing contacts between the productive sector and projects developed by the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB).
Schedule
On Wednesday (17), Minister Tereza Cristina is expected to receive and welcome the representatives of the delegations in the Moacir Micheletto Room, on the mezzanine floor of the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters. Soon after, the delegation will go to the headquarters of Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) to visit the laboratories that test new varieties of sugarcane and seed and seedling banks.
In the afternoon, the group will meet in the MAPA auditorium to discuss issues related to the development of agriculture in the member countries. The meeting will be led by Ambassador Orlando Ribeiro, Secretary of Commerce and International Relations of the Ministry, and will be attended by the deputy ministers of agriculture of the BRICS countries. On Thursday (18), the discussions will continue, ending with bilateral meetings between the member countries.