Brazil may export fuel alcohol to Australia

04/01/2006 - 20h36

Michèlle Canes
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Brasília - The Brazilian minister of Foreign Relations, Celso Amorim, believes that trade between Brazil and Australia can be strengthened through ethanol (fuel alcohol) sales. Amorim met yestersday (4) with the Australian minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer.

Downer test drove and approved the performance of an alcohol-powered Siena 1.8 automobile. "This is one of the areas likely to grow. Our trade amounts to US$ 1 billion, and we can increase it," he declared.

According to Amorim, trade between the two countries has grown, but there is still a lot of room for more growth. "Austrailia is an important country for its relationship with Brazil. Although our trade falls considerably short of its potential, it still amounts to around 1 billion dollars, and it increased 20% last year. Australian investments in Brazil have grown substantially, and both countries have many points in common on the international agenda, as well as items to exploit bilaterally."

Translation: David Silberstein