Bolsonaro make proposals and strengthens ties with other countries

Symbolic for marking the first international trip of newly-elected president Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's participation in this year's edition of the World Economic Forum in Davos (Switzerland) brought concrete results. In addition to being the first Latin American leader to speak at the event’s opening ceremony, the Brazilian delegation led by Bolsonaro was able to build closer ties with other countries, strengthen trade relations and showcase opportunities Brazil offers investors and entrepreneurs.

In the opening address, the president explained to leaders from around the world that his reform agenda aims to put Brazil among the world's 50 best countries to do business. He advocated for reforms that will improve public budget, make life easier for consumers and entrepreneurs in Brazil, and help the country grow sustainably.

Reducing tax burden, simplifying standards and making it easier for people to produce, do business, invest and create jobs in Brazil are among the top priorities for the new administration. "We will work for macroeconomic stability, respecting contracts, privatizing and balancing the public budget," he argued. Efforts will also be targeted at improving the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), in addition to strengthening Brazil and all of South America in the international scenario.

Reforms

In meetings with the world's top leaders, the president explained that the main reforms the country needs are already being prepared and will soon be implemented or brought to Congress for approval. He explained that the reforms are not simple, but necessary.

"[Pension reform] is a reality. It has to be done, and it will be done in the right dosage too, because too much medicine can kill the patient," he said. In the view of the president, the reform is the most urgent and consequential measure to contain public deficit in this area and will be approved because it is in the interest of the federal government, mayors and governors alike to see it enacted.

Bilateral meetings

During the four days of the trip to Switzerland, Bolsonaro held a number of bilateral meetings with foreign leaders to discuss partnerships and cooperation. The President met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte; the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Andrej Babis; the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda; the President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko; the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa; and the president of Colombia, Iván Duque.