Raw Materials

Brazil exports commodities such as beef, iron ore, ethanol, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa, all of which are trading near record levels. In fact, according to MSN Money's Jon Markman, Brazil is the world's biggest exporter of raw materials. The global demand for Brazil's exports is fueling strong economic growth. Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, signed a decree on February 8th 2007, outlining a development policy for the biotechnology industry in Brazil, which should make the country a world leader in biofuel. In a more defiant and indignant mood he vowed that Brazil "will never again be a supplier of raw material to the global market." He went on to add that one his country's main priorities is to establish an alliance between biotechnology and energy derived from agriculture. The Brazilian government believes that the country's biodiversity places Brazil in an advantageous position compared to other nations. Brazil's national program intends to make the country a global leader in biotechnology in 10 to 15 years. The plan was devised through debates between the private and public sectors, and will receive support from five ministries, all of which are somehow related to the area: Health, Development, Science and Technology, Agriculture and Environment. The goal is to encourage biotechnological applications in five different fields: health, food security, animal health, industrial products and environmental quality. Saudi Arabia looks for raw materials in Brazil http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/5436/53/