19.02.2025: Goiás (Brazil) State Governor calls for enhanced cooperation with Maharashtra

Goiás (Brazil) State Governor calls for enhanced cooperation with Maharashtra

The Governor of the State of Goias, Brazil Mr Ronaldo Ramos Caiado had a meeting with the Governor of Maharashtra C.P. Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai, on Wed (Feb 19).

The Governor of the State of Goias in Brazil accompanied by a Ministerial delegation discussed enhancing bilateral relations between Maharashtra and the State of Goiás in key areas such as agriculture, energy transition, trade, and others.

The meeting was attended by João de Mendonça Lima Neto, Consul General of Brazil in Mumbai, as well as key officials from Goiás, such as Joel da Sant’Anna Braga Filho, Secretary of Industry and Commerce; Pedro Leonardo de Paula Rezende, Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply; Rasível dos Reis Santos Júnior, Secretary of Health; Paulo Azevedo, Founder and General Secretary of the Indo-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IBCCI); and Narendra Patil, New Business Director of IBCCI.

Governor Caiado expressed his satisfaction with his visit to India, reflecting on the fruitful discussions he had during his meetings in Delhi and Mumbai.

He lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognizing India’s significant progress and its rise as a global power under his guidance.

The Brazilian Governor stated that Brazil is inspired by India’s achievements and its leadership role in the global arena.

One of the main highlights of the meeting was the emphasis on enhancing cooperation between Brazil and India, particularly in the energy transition sector.

Governor Caiado highlighted the importance of both nations working together in this domain to reduce their reliance on countries like China.

He also discussed Brazil’s expertise in ethanol production and blending, a field in which India has shown significant interest.

Governor Radhakrishnan acknowledged Brazil’s success in ethanol and emphasized India’s rapid advancements in solar, wind, and atomic energy, with a focus on smaller, safer nuclear reactors for waste management.

Agriculture emerged as another key area of potential collaboration. Governor Caiado said that Brazil produces 300 million tonnes of food grains annually, despite utilizing only 10% of its farmland. Both Governors agreed that agricultural research and technology exchanges could prove immensely beneficial for both nations.

Governor Caiado noted that Goiás has Brazil’s big pharmaceutical industry and is highly dependent on Indian imports for its pharmaceutical needs, particularly active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). He expressed his desire to further strengthen the pharmaceutical ties between Maharashtra and Goiás.

Both Governors discussed the need for greater collaboration between India and Brazil in scientific innovation. Governor Radhakrishnan emphasized that such cooperation would fortify both countries against external economic challenges and drive mutual technological advancements.

Governor Caiado expressed a strong interest in the textile industry and its manufacturing hubs. He told the Governor that Indian textiles and traditional attire are immensely popular in Brazil, especially among women.

Governor Radhakrishnan outlined several significant infrastructure projects in Maharashtra, including plans to make Mumbai a slum-free city, the development of India’s deepest seaport at Wadhwan, and the introduction of high-speed bullet trains and Vande Bharat trains. These developments are expected to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth.

Both Governors acknowledged the growing trade volume between India and Brazil, which has now reached $15 billion. Governor Radhakrishnan highlighted the necessity of establishing direct air connectivity between Mumbai and Brazil to further boost trade and facilitate business travel. He assured that coordination would continue with the Consul General of Brazil to make this a reality.

In closing, Governor Caiado extended an invitation to Governor Radhakrishnan to visit Goiás, Brazil, further reinforcing the desire for closer ties between both regions. Governor Radhakrishnan expressed his gratitude to the Brazilian delegation and assured them of Maharashtra’s continued commitment to fostering strong, mutually beneficial relations.