In a meeting with Brazilian and Indonesian businesspeople, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said, this Thursday (23) in Jakarta, that there are many promising partnerships between the two countries. He highlighted some sectors, such as critical minerals and biofuels.
Lula anticipated that, at COP30, Brazil will present a proposal to decarbonize international maritime transport; and will defend a four-fold increase in the use of sustainable fuels on the planet.
Speaking more directly to foreign investors, Lula said that the Brazil currently presents a scenario that brings together fiscal, legal, economic and social stability, which, according to him, guarantees the predictability that investors need to know whether or not it is worth making their investments.
“Brazil is keen to offer this to any and all investors who want to invest and receive a return”, said the Brazilian president.
Critical Minerals
Lula recalled that, although Brazil has only 30% of its mineral wealth properly mapped, it already has 10% of the world’s reserves of critical minerals, essential for the energy transition.
“The creation of a National Critical Minerals Council, linked to the Presidency of the Republic, will be a step towards guaranteeing sovereignty,” he said.
In this sense, the president added, the Indonesian experience of encouraging the processing of raw ore in its territory is an important example of how to attract investment and generate higher quality jobs.
“We do not intend to reproduce the condition of mere exporters of commodities. We want to add value in our territory, with environmental responsibility and respect for local communities”, he added.
Bioenergy
Lula recalled that Brazil and Indonesia are two of the largest bioenergy producers in the world.
“We can, therefore, create a global biofuels market together. The International Maritime Organization cannot forever postpone the decision to decarbonize the sector. Ethanol biofuel is a viable and immediately available alternative”, argued the president.
Recalling that there are around 20 days left until COP 30, in Belém, Lula anticipated that Brazil will present, during the event, a proposal to quadruple the use of sustainable fuels on the planet.
“We will show that it is possible to promote development, face climate change and protect tropical forests and their rich biodiversity. We can expand the production of biofuels, without cutting down a single tree”, he said, highlighting that “there is no way to preserve nature without taking care of people”.
Tropical Forests
Lula thanked Indonesia for support to the Tropical Forests Forever Fundalso to be launched during the event in Belém. “Brazil has done its part and has already announced an investment of US$1 billion in the Fund.”
According to Lula, part of these resources will be used to finance countries that keep their forests standing.
“This is the case of the eight countries in South America, as well as Indonesia and Congo, among other smaller countries,” he said.
“If this fund works, no one will be asking for money anymore, as if they were asking for alms, to keep their forest standing, and to prevent the planet from warming above 1.5 degrees”, he said, highlighting that the fund will generate dividends for those who invest and for those who protect the biome, offering an alternative income for those who preserve the forest.
Food safety and commercial facilities
Lula also reiterated Brazil’s potential to help with food security for the Indonesian people, especially in relation to school meals, through the Free Nutritious Meal program, developed in that country.
He also said that the two countries can work to facilitate trade and lower costs for end consumers.
Regarding the defense sector, President Lula explained that there is a lot of room to expand partnerships, just as in the civil aviation sector.
“The Indonesian Air Force is well aware of the capabilities of the Super Tucano. Brazilian aircraft for civil use represent the best solution for regional companies — efficiency, low consumption and cutting-edge technology”, argued the Brazilian president.
