Events

By invitation only,

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Analyzing the Brazilian position beyond frontiers is only relevant when first shedding the light on the main strategic fields that promote the country’s exclusive growth and development. Considered as a major global exporter, Brazil benefits from several high added value sectors that strongly contribute to the recent modest GDP recovery after the economic recession that started in 2014. Areas like agricultural commodities, mining, energy and aerospace industries are some perfect examples in this context.  

These strategic Brazilian sectors and many others condition the Latin American giant’s position in the Atlantic basin and determine the starting point of its influence and impact on the other Atlantic countries, particularly on the African border of the ocean.

On the West side of the Atlantic basin, Morocco is becoming a strategic bridge fortified with a privileged geographical location halfway between Europe and Africa. The last two decades marked a major turning point in the history of the Kingdom that launched large-scale political, economic and social reforms. Moroccan priorities are evolving in accordance with the regional and international contexts, and this highlighted by sizable national plans: 1) industrial modernization especially through an “Emergence” innovative program; 2) social progress by implementing the Human Development National Initiative; and 3) environmental awareness thanks to renewable energies substantial promotion.

At first glance, it may appear that Asian emerging powers’ presence in Africa is dominantly widespread through solid and competitive exports succinctly exemplified by high technology products, automotive industry and infrastructure investments. In reality, African countries are beginning to diversify their foreign cooperation exploring new geographic paths with attractive economic potentials. Undeniably South American countries seem to perfectly fit to the African expectations and needs, particularly when sharing a similar historical background (political systems, colonialism, slavery, etc.) and facing common social challenges (inequalities, illiteracy, criminality, etc.).

This general context being exposed, the conference organized by OCP Policy Center at the State Assembly of Sao Paulo will be composed of two main panels.The first panel will discuss the development of the Brazilian and the Moroccan economies by emphasizing the specific trajectories of each country, with a focus on their regional leading positions. The second panel will be the occasion to expose a wider perception of the Brazilian-Moroccan cooperation by extending it to an intercontinental level.

Agenda