BRICS Policy Center/PUC-Rio Hosts Launch Event: “Strengthening Sustainable Trade for Food Security and Clean Energy”

On May 29, 2026, the BRICS Policy Center/PUC-Rio and the Future Horizons Institute, in partnership with the Center for Advanced Studies at UFRRJ, held the launch event for the policy briefs of the research project “Strengthening Sustainable Trade for Food Security and Clean Energy.” The event took place at the BPC/PUC-Rio headquarters and brought together representatives from the Brazilian government, academics, the private sector, and civil society to discuss the opportunities and challenges of trade between China and Latin America and its impacts on issues such as energy transition, food security, and sustainability.

The opening featured remarks by Maria Elena Rodriguez (BRICS Policy Center/PUC-Rio) and Ana Saggioro Garcia (CEA/UFRRJ and BPC/PUC-Rio). Next, Claudia Melim-McLeod (Future Horizons Institute) and Knut Lakså (Future Horizons Institute) presented the outcomes of the policy briefs, delving into the political economy dimensions of trade in critical minerals and soybeans between China and Latin American countries, with a focus on Brazil and Peru.

The first panel discussion brought the perspective of representatives from the Brazilian government. On that occasion, Aloísio Lopes Pereira de Melo (Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change) and Vitor Mattos Vaz (Climate Action Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) commented on the results presented, emphasizing the challenges of reconciling economic development, food security, and climate goals.

In the next session, representatives from academic circles, the private sector, and civil society shared their perspectives on the work and the issues raised. Fabiano Escher (CPDA/UFRRJ), Maria Elena Rodríguez, Maureen Santos (BPC/PUC-Rio and FASE), and Túlio Cariello (Brazil-China Business Council) highlighted the importance of building development models capable of reconciling economic competitiveness, social justice, and environmental priorities.

At the end, the audience was invited to participate in a Q&A session that expanded the discussion on topics addressed at the meeting, including deforestation, the soy trade, and tools capable of encouraging more sustainable practices within market dynamics. The debate reinforced the importance of cooperation among different sectors to strengthen Latin America’s industrial development in a sustainable, fair, and efficient manner.