At the invitation of the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Relations Celso Amorim, the U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, made an official visit to Brazil on March 3, 2010. In Brasília, Secretary Clinton met with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and with Minister Celso Amorim.

The ministers noted with satisfaction the maturity achieved in the relationship between Brazil and the United States, which has been reflected in the broadening of joint initiatives, in a comprehensive political dialogue and in the convergence of the fundamental values that unite our two societies in upholding democracy and multiculturalism, in protecting human rights, in safeguarding international peace and security, and in promoting sustainable development with social justice.

Due to the intensity of the bilateral relationship and the importance of the international roles played by the two countries, Minister Amorim and Secretary Clinton created the Global Partnership Dialogue between their respective Ministries. Their dialogue, which will support, complement and provide context for other high-level dialogues between U.S. and Brazilian officials, is intended to foster discussions on the bilateral, regional and global agendas. The two ministers decided that the meetings of their Dialogue will be held annually, alternating between the two countries.

During their first meeting, Minister Amorim and Secretary Clinton addressed the following points, among others:

Bilaterally, they highlighted the importance of economic cooperation and trade and investment flows for creating jobs and increasing competitiveness. They welcomed the ongoing discussions between the Ministry of External Relations and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on a framework for trade and economic cooperation, as well as the results achieved separately under the Economic Partnership Dialogue, the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism, and the Brazil-U.S. CEO Forum.

They agreed to give a new impetus to the bilateral mechanisms in the energy area, and expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Cooperation on Biofuels. Minister Amorim and Secretary Clinton agreed that joint initiatives in science, technology and innovation must be viewed as a strategic chapter in the bilateral Brazil-U.S. relationship, with the aim of expanding joint research and development activities.

Recalling their participation in an event on the margins of the 64th United Nations General Assembly on combating violence against girls, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Advancement of Women, with the aim of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in confronting sexual exploitation and in combating trafficking and all forms of violence against women and girls.

They noted advances achieved in implementing the Joint Action Plan to Eliminate Ethnic and Racial Discrimination and Promote Equality and reaffirmed the commitments by the two governments to continue to work jointly with their societies, in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks, with the aim of eliminating all forms of discrimination.

They expressed the desire to enhance the dialogue and cooperation between Brazil and the United States in the areas of defense and security. They reaffirmed the need to maintain fluid and ongoing exchanges on these and other related issues and, in this context, they praised the reactivation of the Political-Military Talks and the Defense Bilateral Working Group.

They expressed their commitment to improve cooperation on bilateral consular and migration issues. They noted with satisfaction the forthcoming entry into force of the agreement that will increase from five to ten years the period of validity for visas for citizens of the two countries who travel for tourism or business.

Within the region, they reaffirmed their commitment to reinvigorating the Organization of American States (OAS), especially in strengthening democracy in the Americas, in harmony with the Inter-American Democratic Charter and with the principle of non-interference in countries’ domestic affairs. They agreed to intensify the fight against hunger and poverty among the OAS member countries and they agreed that this subject should be a central topic of the 40th OAS General Assembly.

They agreed that the willingness of the United States to engage in dialogue with the Union of South American Nations (UNASUL) on issues of defense, security and development, constitutes an important step towards achieving enhanced coordination.

They expressed their deepest sorrow over the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and their tragic consequences. Regarding Haiti, they believe that the United Nations, including its Mission for the Stabilization of Haiti (MINUSTAH), is the primary agency for coordinating international assistance. They expressed their strong commitment to supporting the Donors’ Conference on March 31, 2010, in New York, and the plan to undertake the reconstruction of Haiti and meet its post-disaster needs, which will be presented by the government of Haiti. They similarly agreed with the creation of a trust fund to finance the reconstruction of Haiti, based on its own national priorities. Both Minister Amorim and Secretary Clinton committed themselves to work to facilitate market access to products originated in Haiti. Minister Amorim reiterated that Brazil intends to extend a preferential trade program to Haiti similar to the U.S. HOPE II, and the two ministers emphasized the importance that both governments support initiatives aimed at promoting investment and economic reconstruction in Haiti.

On global topics, they agreed that it is necessary for multilateral institutions and forums to reflect the political and economic realities of the 21st century. To that end, they committed themselves to achieving genuine reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, in a manner that reflects contemporary realities, enhancing the ability to carry out mandates as a representative, credible and effective forum for meeting the challenges of the new century. Moreover, they reaffirmed that they are committed to consulting closely on UNSC reform, and on the issues on the Security Council’s agenda, bearing in mind Brazil’s participation as an elected UNSC member for the 2010-2011 term. They also agreed to reinforce bilateral consultations on the reviewing process of the Human Rights Council, as established by U.N. General Assembly resolution 60/251, building upon its past achievements and paving the way for new and cooperative approach to enhance its effectiveness in defending and promoting human rights.

They signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Change and highlighted the importance of close cooperation in this area. They reiterated that the Copenhagen Accord was a significant step forward in addressing key issues for tackling the global challenge of climate change and reaffirmed the political commitments of both countries contained therein. They also recalled that Brazil and the United States communicated to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) their respective actions and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They stressed that both countries will continue to promote the full, effective, and sustained implementation of the UNFCCC. They reiterated their commitment to advancing the negotiations at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC. In this context, they noted the significance of dialogue between the BASIC Group countries (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) and the United States.

They welcomed the institutional recognition of the G-20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation. They reaffirmed that both countries are committed to seeking an ambitious and balanced conclusion of the negotiations of the World Trade Organization’s Doha Round, as agreed to In Pittsburgh in September 2009.

They reiterated that both countries are committed to disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation with a view to leading to a world free of nuclear arms. They confirmed their commitment to achieving a positive outcome at the Nuclear Security Summit, to be held in Washington, D.C. on April 12-13, 2010. They also highlighted the need to strengthen and fully comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and to support the decisions arising from the NPT Review Conferences. They confirmed their engagement in seeking to achieve a successful outcome of the 8th NPT Review Conference in May 2010, which will depend on a balanced approach and a strengthened commitment to the three pillars of the NPT: disarmament, nonproliferation and peaceful uses.

They expressed their serious concern with the evolution of the nuclear situation in Iran. They recognized the right of all signatories to the NPT to develop nuclear programs for peaceful purposes and encouraged Iran to take the necessary steps to strengthen the international community’s confidence in the peaceful nature of its program by fully cooperating with the IAEA and complying with the obligations contained in the relevant UNSC resolutions. They reiterated their commitment to the pursuit of a positive diplomatic outcome to these issues.

Upon signing the Memorandum of Understanding for the Implementation of Technical Cooperation Activities in Third Countries, they directed their respective cooperation agencies, Agência Brasileira de Cooperação (ABC) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to explore new projects, primarily but not exclusively in Africa and Haiti. They recalled the ongoing trilateral initiatives in the areas of healthcare, HIV/AIDS and agriculture in Mozambique.

They highlighted that both Brazil and the United States are committed to comprehensive peace process between Israel and its Arab neighbours. They share a vision of a region where two democratic and economically viable states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side, in peace, within secure and recognized borders.

Minister Celso Amorim conveyed to Secretary Hillary Clinton an invitation from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for President Barack Obama to visit Brazil in 2010.

The Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil
and
The Government of the United States of America
(hereinafter referred to as “the Participants”),

Conscious that climate change is one of the gravest challenges faced by the international community,

Reaffirming that both countries will continue to promote the full, effective and sustained implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),

Affirming that the Copenhagen Accord was a significant step forward in addressing key issues for tackling the global challenge of climate change and that both countries reaffirm their political commitments contained therein,

Determined to unite efforts to achieve these goals, effectively face climate change and its adverse effects and achieve low-carbon development goals,

Willing to promote the establishment of a bilateral platform for cooperation and, at the same time, to contribute to a robust multilateral response to that problem,

Have reached the following understanding:

Section 1

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is to strengthen and coordinate the efforts of the Participants to effectively face climate change, in the context of sustainable low-carbon economic growth.

Section 2

Under this MOU, the Participants decide to cooperate in areas related to capacity-building, research, development, deployment and dissemination of technologies to address climate change and its adverse effects. Our two countries are already engaged in substantial collaborative work in such areas as energy efficiency, renewable energy, including bioenergy and biofuels, and carbon capture and storage, under both the 2003 MOU for the Establishment of a Mechanism for Consultations on Energy Cooperation, between the U.S. Department of Energy and Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, and the 2007 MOU to Advance Cooperation on Biofuels between the U.S.
Department of State and Brazil’s Ministry of External Relations. That collaborative work would continue, and new areas of cooperation would be added, including, but not limited to, the following areas: reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+); and low-carbon development.

Section 3

The Participants decide to establish a Climate Change Policy Dialogue, which will complement and strengthen existing areas of cooperation. To this end the Participants will meet at least once a year, alternatively in each country, with the purpose of working together, inter alia:

* for the full, effective and sustained implementation of the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and to build on the understandings of the Copenhagen Accord as quickly as possible;

* to exchange experiences on strategies and domestic policies,
including carbon markets, to address climate change;

* on pragmatic solutions for reducing emissions;

* on joint efforts on research, development, deployment and
dissemination of technologies for combating climate change;

* on adaptation to climate change;

* to cooperate on climate change scientific research; and

* on capacity-building in sectors related to climate change.

Section 4

The Participants, coordinating with other relevant agencies, designate respectively, the Ministry of External Relations of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Department of State of the United States of America as the focal points for the present Memorandum of Understanding and as co-chairs of the Climate Change Policy Dialogue.

Section 5

This Memorandum of Understanding and its activities are subject to the laws and regulations of the Participants. It is not intended to create any rights or obligations under domestic or international law.

Section 6

This Memorandum of Understanding takes effect upon signature and is to remain in effect for 10 years. It may be renewed if the Participants so decide, through diplomatic channels.

Section 7

This Memorandum of Understanding may be cancelled by either Participant, through written notice to the other Participant, through diplomatic channels.

Signed at Brasilia, in duplicate, this 3rd day of March, 2010, in the Portuguese and English languages, both texts being equally valid.

Source: Ministry of External Relations

The Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil
and
The Government of the United States of America
(hereinafter referred to as the “Participants”),

Reaffirming faith in the dignity and worth of the human being and in the equal rights of men and women;

Convinced that the maximum participation of women in society, under conditions equal to those of men, is necessary for the full and complete development of countries, the well-being of the world and the cause of peace;

Considering their commitment to achieving gender equality, the values shared by their peoples and the historical ties of friendship between their two nations;

Considering the comprehensive and effective public policies on gender issues that have been implemented in Brazil and in the United States;

Resolved to work jointly to further implement the measures necessary to eliminate discrimination against women in both countries;

Reiterating their commitment to the full implementation of the Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing in 1995;

Recalling the political commitments made by these two governments in the Memorandum of Understanding on Education, signed in Washington, D.C., on March 30, 2007, and the Joint Action Plan to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimination and Promote Equality, signed in Brasília, on March 13, 2008; and

Aware of the importance of cooperating in promoting and protecting human rights within their countries, in the Americas and throughout the world,

Hereby decide:

1. To promote cooperation and sharing of information to eliminate discrimination against women and achieve gender equality.

2. To prioritize, within the framework of this Memorandum of Understanding, the attainment of the following long-term goals:

2.1. Eliminating violence against women;

2.2. Eliminating trafficking in women and children; and

2.3. Empowering women.

3. That in order to advance towards achieving the long-term goals set forth in Section 2, the Participants intend to work jointly in carrying out the following tasks:

3.1. Promoting capacity-building among law enforcement officers, including police, public prosecutors and judges, with respect to enforcing their respective domestic laws prohibiting violence and discrimination against women;

3.2. Combating trafficking in women and children, whether for labor or sexual exploitation;

3.3. Combating child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, and child pornography;

3.4. Promoting the participation of women in decision-making processes, including within political parties, national legislatures and in policymaking positions in the other branches of government;

3.5. Promoting equality in the workplace, economic opportunity, and improved livelihoods for women.

4. That in carrying out the tasks established in Section 3, the Participants may make use of the following means of performing work, among others:

4.1. Organizing training programs and seminars;

4.2. Supporting campaigns to raise awareness;

4.3. Forming partnerships with private sector entities and civil society organizations;

4.4. Establishing direct channels of communication between the government agencies of the two countries that are responsible for enforcement actions against trafficking in women and children, and child pornography, so as to facilitate expeditious information sharing and joint enforcement activities, including investigating and prosecuting cases concerning offenses committed over the Internet;

4.5. Sharing information about public policies and best practices, by fostering dialogue among government agencies of both countries with respect to specific issue areas;

4.6. Encouraging visits and meetings involving women leaders from both countries;

4.7. Supporting exchange programs between research institutions and/or institutions of higher education in both countries;

4.8. Fostering cooperation programs with third countries.

5. That the Participants are to decide on the activities to be undertaken and the working methods to be employed for carrying out the tasks listed in Section 3 through direct contact between the government entities that will coordinate the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding, i.e., the Ministry of External Relations and the Special Secretariat for Women`s Policies, on behalf of Brazil, and the Department of State, on behalf of the United States (hereinafter referred to as “Coordinating Agencies”).

6. That the Coordinating Agencies expect to work jointly with other government entities, including those in other branches of government, and also with interested representatives of the private sector and civil society organizations, and to encourage their active engagement, with the aim of fully achieving the long-term goals of this Memorandum of Understanding and carrying out the tasks provided for herein.

7. That the Coordinating Agencies are to decide matters jointly and by consensus. In the future, the coordinating agencies may, based on mutual agreement, add to this Memorandum of Understanding new long-term goals, tasks, or means of performing work.

8. This Memorandum of Understanding does not create rights or obligations under either international or domestic law. Every activity carried out under this Memorandum of Understanding is to be consistent with the international commitments of the Participants, and also with their respective national laws.

9. This Memorandum of Understanding takes effect upon signature and is to remain in effect indefinitely.

10. Any of the Participants may, at any moment, through diplomatic channels notify the other of its decision to discontinue the present Memorandum of Understanding.

Signed in Brasília, in duplicate, this 3rd day of March, 2010, in the Portuguese and English languages, both texts being equally valid.

Source: Ministry of External Relations

The Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil
and
The Government of the United States of America
(hereinafter referred to as the “Governments”),
Considering that:

Brazil and the United States have a long term partnership on technical cooperation established by the Agreement relating to Technical Cooperation, effected by exchange of notes and entered into force on December 19, 1950, as amended;

Brazil and the United States have entered into an Agreement relating to Cooperation in Science and Technology, signed at Brasilia on February 6, 1984, and entered into force on May 15, 1986, as amended and extended;

The Governments of the two countries have implemented many initiatives over the last two years to strengthen and expand such cooperation;

Both Governments wish to strengthen their cooperation to foster economic development, improved health care and greater social inclusion in targeted countries that face the greatest challenges from poverty, as measured by world development indicators;

Cooperation between both Governments to foster development, including that within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding Between Brazil and the United States to Advance Cooperation on Biofuels signed on March 9, 2007, to date has produced positive and promising results in Caribbean and Central American countries, and is expected to begin soon in African countries;

Both Governments anticipate that further coordination and harmonization of development assistance activities under way by each Government will lead to greater efficiencies and better results;

In the Agreed Minutes of the Third Meeting of the Economic Partnership Dialogue between the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations and the U.S.
Department of State, held in Brasilia on October 29 and 30, 2008, both Governments stressed the strong shared interest in establishing modes of joint cooperation to foster development in third countries and with the participation of their governments (“trilateral cooperation”);

Therefore, both Governments have reached the following understandings:

Section I – Purpose and Designations

1. The intent of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as “MOU”) is to establish guidelines under which Brazil and the United States may select countries for trilateral cooperation by mutual concurrence, and may promote economic and social advances in such countries in the sectors which can benefit from such cooperation, by means of a coordinated use of the financial, technological and human resources of both Governments.

2. This MOU does not impose targets for actions for the two Governments, with each being free to suggest cooperation projects or coordination of activities whenever deemed necessary or appropriate.

3. In order to carry out the cooperation activities provided for in this MOU, the Governments hereby designate:

a) Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC-Agência Brasileira de Cooperação) of the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations; and

b) United States Agency for International Development (USAID);

both of which are hereinafter referred to as the “Agencies”.

Section II – Activities

1. The Governments, making full use of the best practices of the Agencies in implementing trilateral development cooperation, will implement jointly and in coordination with the governments of selected beneficiary countries, primarily but not restricted to African countries and Haiti, cooperation activities based on the proposals presented by each Government and consistent with the geographic and sectoral priorities of the Agencies.

2. The activities may encompass:

a) preparation of sector-specific studies necessary to formulate projects;

b) sending technical specialists from both countries to develop proposals, provide technical cooperation, training and education, and monitor project delivery and assess results;

c) training of technical specialists from third countries in Brazil and/or the United States with support from both countries; and

d) other forms of cooperation, as mutually determined by the Agencies.

3. For any activity within the scope of this Memorandum of Understanding, the Governments will prepare a project plan, within which there should be a detailed budget specifying the manner in which costs will be divided among the participating countries.

Section III – Funding

1. The cooperation activities implemented under this Memorandum of Understanding will be co-funded by the United States and Brazilian Governments. The share of the funding for which the Governments intend to be responsible will be determined jointly and reflected in the mutually determined budget for each particular activity or project, for which the Brazilian Government will contribute up to 30% of the overall budget through any combination of cash or in-kind contributions, such as staff and official salaries and services.

2. In order to provide the in-kind assistance described above, the Governments will decide the methods of funding on a project-by-project basis, consistent with each Government’s internal procedures. All activities of the Governments under this Memorandum of Understanding are subject to the availability of funds and to further agreements or arrangements between the Governments and appropriate public and private parties, regarding the provision of in-kind assistance. This Memorandum of Understanding is not intended to effect a commitment or obligation of specific funds by the Governments. Each Government will carry out the assistance it intends to provide pursuant to its domestic laws, international law, and to the extent not inconsistent with the foregoing, with the laws of the recipient nations.

Section IV – Steering Committee

1. The project implementation will be jointly planned and coordinated by a Steering Committee comprising representatives selected by the Agencies.

2. At the request of either Government, representatives of the two Agencies will meet to monitor project status, resolve problems, explore new opportunities or cooperation requests, or for any other reason.

Section V – Monitoring and Assessment

The Governments may carry out monitoring and assessment by means of sending joint or separate missions to the beneficiary countries. Each Government retains the ability to carry out its own internal supervision and oversight of the project. The results of such investigations will always be reported to both Agencies.

Section VI – Publicity

1. The Governments intend to cooperate to give appropriate mutual publicity to the cooperation provided and will request the recipient country’s government to provide publicity acknowledging the governments’ individual and joint contributions in equal dimensions. Both Agencies will retain the discretion to use their own logos, markings or other means of publicizing each Agency’s contribution, in equal dimensions.

2. Published reports or any other aspects of public release of information about technical cooperation activities resulting from this MOU will be approved in advance by both Agencies and should present, in equal dimensions, the official symbols of the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

3. Any infrastructure or commodities provided to beneficiary countries within the framework of this MOU should display in equal dimensions the national symbols of Agencies and/or Brazil and the United States (i.e.
flags, etc.).

Section VII – Authorized Representatives

The Governments will be represented by those holding or acting in the offices held by the signatories to this MOU. Each Government may, by written notice to the other, identify additional representatives authorized to represent that Government for all purposes other than executing modifications to this MOU. Each Government may notify the other, in writing, of changes in its authorized representatives.

Section VIII – Modifications

This MOU may be modified in writing by the two Governments through diplomatic channels.

Section IX – Dispute Settlement

Any differences that may arise concerning the interpretation and/or application of this MOU will be resolved through diplomatic channels.

Section X – Rights and Obligations

This MOU does not create rights or obligations for the Governments under international law.

Section XI – Discontinuation

Either Government may suspend or discontinue this MOU, but will endeavor to provide at least six months advance notice to the other Government of its intention to do so. Discontinuation of this MOU will discontinue any responsibilities of Governments to provide financial or other resources to implement projects or activities mutually determined under this MOU, except for payments which each Government may be committed to make pursuant to noncancellable commitments entered into with third parties prior to the discontinuation of this MOU.

Section XII – Signature and Commencement

This MOU is effective upon signature.

Signed at Brasília, in duplicate, this 3rd day of March, 2010, in the Portuguese and English languages, both texts being equally valid.

Source: Ministry of External Relations

UN-Habitat and the Government of Brazil have started preparations for the fifth session of the urban World Forum, scheduled in Rio de Janeiro 22-26 March 2010. The Forum is one of the most open and inclusive gatherings of its kind on the international stage. It brings together government leaders, ministers, mayors, diplomats, members of national, regional and international associations of local governments, non-governmental and community organizations, professionals, academics, grassroots women’s organizations, youth and slum dwellers groups as partners working for better cities. The fifth session in Rio builds on the lessons and successes of the previous four events.

With half of humanity already living in towns and cities, it is projected that in the next 50 years, two-thirds of us will be living in towns and cities. A major challenge is to minimize burgeoning poverty in cities, improve access of the urban poor to basic facilities such as shelter, clean water and sanitation and to achieve environmentally friendly, sustainable urban growth and development.

The theme for Rio 2010, The right to the City – “bridging the urban divide” is in harmony with UN-HABITAT’s flagship report, State of the World’s Cities 2010-2011.

Useful links:
UNHabitat

Rio+20. The General Assembly of the United Nations, in its 64th session, accepted “with gratitude the generous offer” of the Government of Brazil to host the United Nations Sustainable Development Conference to be held in 2012, 20 years after the first one, also in Rio de Janeiro.

The objective of the international meeting, expected to receive heads of State and Government and other heads of delegations, together with partners from international institutions and non-governmental organisations, is to ensure the renewed political commitment to sustainable development, the implementation of the outcomes of the major environmental summits and address the new and emerging challenges, seeking alternative and creative ways of promoting sustainable development.

In parallel to the treatment of the contribution of the “green economy” for sustainable development and poverty eradication, the Conference will assess the implementation of the Agenda 21 and the Plan of Implementation of Johannesburg, marking the completion of cycle of 20 years of environmental negotiations and the beginning of new period of engagement of the international community.

Useful links:
Earth Summit 2012

The III World Forum of Alliance of Civilizations will take place in Rio de Janeiro on 28-29 May 2010. The idea of an Alliance of Civilizations is a matter of natural interest to Brazil, a multicultural and multiracial country that embraces diversity as a factor that marks its identity.

On this third edition of the World Forum of Alliance of Civilizations, Brazil will work towards giving global character to the event, seeking greater involvement by neighbouring nations and from the African countries, encouraging them to engage more actively in all its endeavours.

Further information: adc@itamaraty.gov.br
Official website
Brazilian website

O Brasil adotou em novembro de 2000 a Convenção da Organização para a Cooperação e Desenvolvimento Econômico (OCDE) sobre Corrupção de Funcionários Públicos Estrangeiros em Transações Comerciais Internacionais. Esta Convenção estabelece a obrigação de seus signatários de adotar as medidas necessárias para tornar crime o ato de “deliberadamente oferecer, prometer ou efetuar pagamento ou outra vantagem indevida, diretamente ou por terceiros, a funcionário público estrangeiro ou a terceira parte, a fim de obter ou arrestar negócios ou outro tipo de vantagem imprópria em negócios internacionais”. Dessa maneira, os Estados assumem a obrigação de punir seus nacionais, ou empresas sediadas em seu território, que pratiquem o ilícito em qualquer outro país, mesmo que este não seja signatário da Convenção.

A Controladoria-Geral da União e os Ministérios da Justiça e Relações Exteriores vem atuando em estreita cooperação a fim de adotar todas as medidas necessárias para a implementação da Convenção. Para incorporar a Convenção à ordem jurídica interna, o Estado brasileiro aprovou a Lei nº 10.467, de 11 de junho de 2002, que acrescentou os arts. 337-B, 337-C e 337-D ao Código Penal.

Em 8 de fevereiro de 2010, o Presidente da República encaminhou ao Congresso Nacional projeto de lei que institui a responsabilidade administrativa e civil de pessoas jurídicas por atos de corrupção praticados contra a Administração Pública nacional e estrangeira. De acordo com o projeto, a pessoa jurídica responderá objetivamente, nas esferas administrativa e civil, pelos atos de corrupção que cometer, em seu interesse ou benefício, contra a administração pública. Entre as novas punições previstas estão multa (de 1% a 30% do faturamento bruto), impedimento de receber benefícios fiscais, suspensão parcial de atividades ou mesmo extinção da empresa, dependendo da gravidade do ilícito praticado. O novo projeto de lei amplia o rol das condutas puníveis, buscando atender aos compromissos internacionais assumidos pelo Brasil, dentre eles a própria Convenção da OCDE.

A Convenção e os demais dados sobre o trabalho no combate à corrupção encontram-se nos sítios eletrônicos da OCDE, em inglês, e do Itamaraty, em português.

Brazil has donated $ 400 thousand to fund one of three projects developed by UNESCO for the reconstruction of the educational system in Haiti. The amount will be earmarked for teacher training and will benefit about 110 thousand Haitian students at secondary and higher education.

The donation was announced by the Minister of External Relations, Mr Celso Amorim, after a meeting with the Director-General of UNESCO, Ambassador Irina Bokova, at the headquarters of the Organisation in Paris on February 1.

Source: Ministry of External Relations

At the time most of the world was beginning to notice the first slowdown indicators, Brazil was showing a vigorous growth. This model – based on consistent macroeconomic foundations – helped the country to be readier to face the crisis than at any other time in its history. Brazil was then prepared to pick up the pace in a much faster rhythm than most other countries.

The financial crisis has put Brazilian economy to the test and it passed it with flying colours. Inflation under control; solidity, expressed in US$ 220 billion in international reserves; balanced public accounts; cleared foreign debt; and a regulated and stable financial system have allowed the country to hold its own under the strain of the economic hurricane that shook the world. It is quite a different scenario from the ones we have faced during other international crises, which swamped the country in extended recession periods.

Economic growth and breadth to face the crisis were possible thanks to the creation of a widespread consumer market. This was an entirely novel phenomenon in a country that had had to live with vast income distribution inequalities. During the last five years over 24 million Brazilians have emerged from poverty and 27 million others joined the upper-upper, lower-upper and middle classes. These progresses reflect the success of the government’s income distribution policy and the increase in employment rates from 2003 to 2008.

The population’s average income has been high since 2004. Inequality has also been dropping for six years now, as has just been shown by the National Household Sample Survey (PNAD), the most comprehensive survey on the Country’s social reality. Even during the toughest stage of the crisis, the strength of the Brazilian market was one of the factors that provided Brazilian economy with the power to quickly overcome hardships.

With solid basis and a vigorous market the country has shown its capacity to successfully advance a set of anti-crisis measures. On the one hand, it has adopted an expansionary monetary policy; on the other, it has developed a proactive fiscal policy. Together they have fed money into the economy, stimulated consumption, maintained jobs and pepped up businesses.

One of the monetary policy axis – together with the cut in interest rate – was the release of $ 55.6 billion in bank compulsory deposits authorized as soon as the international crisis worsened. Monetary expansion provided support to small- and medium-sized banks, thus ensuring stability to the financial system, contrary to what happened in several other countries. But this did not ensure the necessary amount of credit lines. The intervention of public banks was paramount to that. Without them credit would have remained scarce and interests been higher.

Another important instrument was fiscal unburdening, such as the cut in IPI (Tax on Industrialized Products) for purchasing cars, trucks, buses, construction material, house appliances and capital goods. The measures – which amount to a fiscal stimulus of $ 7.6 billion, 0,4% Brazil’s GDP – have managed to keep consumption high and accelerated recovery. About mid-year several industry segments had managed to surpass their production volume from the pre-crisis period. It is estimated that, as a whole, the anti-cycle policy should help GDP grow between 2.5% and 3.5%. Without it, it is likely that, instead of the 1% growth expected for 2009 GDP would have dropped 2%.

This reaction has placed Brazil on the threshold of a new development cycle that shows the country is going back on the tracks it had followed up to September 2008. The vast wealth expected from the exploration of the pre-salt layer petroleum, the need for infrastructure works to support growth, the potential of agribusiness and renewable energy and a vast range of other businesses are opening up amazing opportunities for Brazil to consolidate an economic model that brings growth and social development together.

Guido Mantega
Minister of Finance

* The Real was converted at R$ 1,80 = US$ 1

Source: Sustainable Economy – A publication from the Ministry of Finance