The Hindu : India-Brazil economic ties grow

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 09, 2002

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India-Brazil economic ties grow

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI APRIL 8. Even as the India-Brazil Commercial Council was launched today, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on technology-sharing and under- taking joint studies on blending of ethanol with petrol and diesel.

The new council was launched at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry by the visiting Brazilian Minister of Development, Industry and Commerce, Sergio Silva do Amaral, who is leading a 33 member official-cum-business delegation. The corporate members represent companies in the automobile, food, information technology, pharmaceuticals, sugar and ethanol and telecommunication industries.

The MOU between India and Brazil was signed by the Petroleum Minister, Ram Naik, who said that it aimed to share technology on optimal blending ratios for best performance, engine and fuel system modification, compatibility of fuel system components, development of stabilisers for use in ethanol diesel blend and the required infrastructure and laboratory tests.

Mr. Naik said the two countries proposed to hold a seminar where technicians from Brazil could make presentations to Indian farmers, sugar producing industries and cooperatives. He said the visits of the farmers, sugarcane producers and cooperative sugar factories could be arranged for on-the-spot study of the ethanol production process adopted in Brazil. He said the forthcoming World Petroleum Congress was being held in Brazil in September which would provide an ideal forum for further mutual exchange of ideas.

Speaking at the launch of the India-Brazil Commercial Council, Mr. Amaral suggested that the two countries should set up joint ventures in the pharmaceuticals sector. He expressed concern over the impact of the TRIPS agreement which would make it difficult for Indian pharmaceutical companies to export drugs to Brazil and other countries. In anticipation of these barriers, he felt that creation of joint ventures would enable the two countries to invest and develop drugs to meet public health requirements.

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