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 \u201cStrengthening Sustainable Trade for Food Security and Clean Energy.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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 Laks\u00e5 (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.<\/p>\n
The first panel discussion brought the perspective of representatives from the Brazilian government. On that occasion, Alo\u00edsio 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.<\/p>\n
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 Rodr\u00edguez, Maureen Santos (BPC\/PUC-Rio and FASE), and T\u00falio Cariello (Brazil-China Business Council) highlighted the importance of building development models capable of reconciling economic competitiveness, social justice, and environmental priorities.<\/p>\n