Berlin Heads to Brazil
Berlin, June 8, 2026 – In the midst of Berlin’s summer, a business delegation led by Senator Franziska Giffey departed for Brazil on June 7. In Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where daytime temperatures currently range from a mild 72°F to 75°F (22°C to 24°C), the delegation will gain firsthand insights into Brazil’s economy and emerging technologies in fields such as smart cities, mobility, artificial intelligence and energy.
Brazil is South America’s largest economy and one of its most important markets. Following years of steady growth, the country experienced a severe economic downturn beginning in 2014. Since 2021, however, Brazil has returned to a growth trajectory, supported by significant economic potential. The country is known for its abundant natural resources, diversified industrial base and highly skilled workforce. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy. Brazil ranks among the world’s leading producers of coffee, sugar, meat and soybeans. At the same time, the country possesses substantial reserves of critical raw materials, including rare earth elements, and offers considerable potential for green hydrogen production and renewable energy generation from biomass and other sustainable sources. Reflecting these opportunities, German and Brazilian government representatives agreed on April 20, 2026, to strengthen cooperation in areas including raw materials, energy, climate, marine research, quantum technologies and satellite missions.
Closer economic ties with Brazil are also increasingly important for Berlin’s economic development. Latin America – particularly Mexico and Brazil – is a key focus of the Berlin Senate’s internationalization strategy. In addition, the European Union is nearing completion of a free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The agreement is expected to reduce tariffs, improve access to services and strategic raw materials, and create new opportunities for European companies, including businesses based in Berlin. More broadly, Latin America is a diverse and dynamic economic and political region. Over the past two decades, the region’s economic output has more than tripled.
The delegation visit with Senator Giffey and Berlins business leaders, taking place from June 7 to June 12, 2026, is primarily focused on fostering business exchange and strengthening partnerships. In Rio de Janeiro, the program includes visits to innovative urban development projects and key institutions such as the Centro de Operações Rio, a leading smart city and crisis management center; Fiocruz, one of Latin America’s foremost health research institutions; and ONS, Brazil’s national electricity system operator. Additional stops include Petrobras’ CENPES research and development center and the UFRJ Technology Park, one of Brazil’s leading innovation ecosystems. The park brings together companies, research centers and applied research initiatives focused on technology, energy, engineering and sustainability. The delegation will also attend Web Summit Rio and participate in a series of networking events with business leaders and government representatives. In São Paulo, the focus will remain on innovation, research and entrepreneurship. Planned visits include Cubo Itaú, one of Latin America’s largest startup hubs; the Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas (IPT), a leading technology research institute; and the Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation (RCGI) at the University of São Paulo.
The program also includes a panel discussion on the opportunities the Mercosur agreement could create for Berlin-based companies, along with additional networking events designed to strengthen business connections between Berlin and Brazil.
The delegation will return to Berlin on June 12, bringing home new insights, partnerships and opportunities – and, hopefully, finding similarly pleasant weather waiting for them there.
