Prime Minister, David Thompson, accepting a??gift from??Ambassador of Brazil, Appio Claudio Muniz Acquarone at Ilaro Court yesterday.

Plans are well under way for Barbados to establish a mission in Brazil by yearend.

This was disclosed yesterday by Prime Minister, David Thompson, during a courtesy call with new Ambassador of Brazil, Appio Claudio Muniz Acquarone.

Mr. Thompson told the envoy that Government recognised the importance of the mission, because as the largest economy in Latin America, Brazil was an excellent source of economic, cultural and other relations.

He also stressed the need for an air services agreement between the two countries, noting that coming out of the current recession, it was important for Barbados to "develop concrete relations with countries that can best assist us".

??In response, Ambassador Acquarone noted that his colleagues were working diligently on the establishment of the mission, which would be welcomed. He also agreed that the absence of direct air links between Barbados and Brazil was a hindrance, especially in the area of trade.

He pointed out that Brazil had a long history with Barbados with respect to sugar cane, and expressed an interest in the transfer of technology related to ethanol, which he said could be "an interesting export item for Barbados".????

Discussions also focused on the possibility of implementing a double taxation agreement and increasing the number of cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations.

Barbados and Brazil established diplomatic relations in 1971. Brazil maintains an Embassy in Barbados, while Barbados has two Honorary Consuls there, located in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo.

gapplewhaite@barbados.gov.bb

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