Lula predicts prosperity for Brazilians and Koreans after business forum

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva demonstrated optimism after the end of the Brazil-South Korea Business Forum held this Monday (23), in Seoul. 230 corporations from strategic sectors participated in the meeting, such as creative economy, technology, food, sugar, alcohol, pharmaceutical industry, agriculture and livestock.

Trade between Brazil and South Korea closed 2025 at US$11 billion, far below the record of almost US$15 billion in 2011.

“The current exchange is not up to par with two economies the size of Brazil and Korea. Therefore, we signed an agreement on commercial cooperation and productive integration, with a focus on strengthening industrial, technological and agricultural cooperation”, explains the president.

The agreement will also strengthen resilient and secure supply chains and innovate in strategic minerals, sustainable industries, and audiovisual. To this end, regular meetings are planned between the ministers of the two countries to discuss how to strengthen economic relations.

Read also: Government evaluates trip to India as a milestone in Lula’s third term

“The relationship between Brazil and the Republic of Korea, two countries linked by strong human ties and business ties, is proof that trust and cooperation are worthwhile. I am sure that this forum generated many business opportunities that will contribute to building a future of prosperity for Brazilians and Koreans”, says Lula.

Lula highlights that the Republic of Korea has expanded its research and development in the health area and Brazil is also advancing in the area. He cites the construction of the Órion biosafety laboratory, the only one in the world connected to a particle accelerator.

“This will allow us to seek solutions for diseases, develop diagnostic methods and prevent epidemics. Public health institutions, such as Fiocruz and other Brazilian state foundations, are strengthening their cooperation with Korea. We hope that, soon, we will be able to jointly manufacture new vaccines, drugs and medical supplies”, he notes.

The president recalls that Brazil has been the largest destination for Korean investments in Latin America for years. “Companies like Samsung, Hyundai and LG are present in Brazilian homes. Korea is already the fourth largest Asian investor in the country, with an investment stock of US$9 billion. This volume has the potential to grow”, he bets.

He said that, in the last three years, the country launched important initiatives such as the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), the New Industry Brazil (NIB), the Green Mobility and Innovation Program (Mover) and the Ecological Transformation Plan. “They all offer advantageous conditions for foreign investors interested in bringing technological innovations and sustainable solutions”, he states.

Carne

The competitiveness of Brazilian agribusiness in the production of meat and proteins was one of the national attractions praised by President Lula.

“In recent years, Brazil has consolidated itself as the world’s breadbasket. In 2025, we had the largest harvest in history, with 350 million tons of grains. We are an agricultural powerhouse and are proud to contribute to the planet’s food security”, he highlights.

aerospace sector

“Together, we can also make important scientific leaps. The Korean start-up Innospace is helping to make the Alcântara Launch Center a new aerospace hub. I am sure that Brazil will soon have the privilege of seeing a South Korean rocket in full operation. Dialogue between our space agencies is crucial to deepen this collaboration, including sharing satellite data and lunar exploration projects,” said Lula.

In the Brazilian delegation were ministers Mauro Vieira (Foreign Affairs), Fernanda Haddad (Finance), Márcio Fernando Elias Rosa (Development, Industry and Commerce), Carlos Fávaro (Agriculture and Livestock), Alexandre Padilha (Health), Luciana Santos (Science and Technology), Marina Silva (Environment), Márcio França (Entrepreneurship) and Frederico Siqueira Filho (Communications).