Value would be dedicated to promoting the protein chain abroad; agency would have to be accountable every quarter
Liberal parliamentary fronts linked to agribusiness presented a bill that proposes to allocate at least 30% of the annual budget allocation of (Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency) to the international promotion of the Brazilian protein chair. Read A (PDF – 159 KB).
The proposal asks the agency to account for congressional accounts for the use of these resources. There are complaints from congressmen on lack of transparency at the agency (read below).
The project will be filed in the first half of September by deputies and senators aligned with biodiesel fronts, agribusiness and foreign trade, creates the National Program for International Promotion of Brazilian Proteins (PNPIPB). The goal is to expand the presence of products such as beef, swine, birds and soy derivatives in international markets.
Among the required measures are the installation of permanent booths of Brazilian meat in international offices, global advertising campaigns and prioritization of protein exports in trade agreements negotiations.
The project also wants to apply overcrowders on products from countries that restrict or overcharge Brazilian proteins.
Accountability
Apex-Brazil’s accountability is expected to occur quarterly to the Senate and House Agriculture and Foreign Affairs committees, including detailed spending reports, campaign impact assessment, improvement recommendations and any information requested by parliamentarians. All international commercial negotiations involving Brazilian proteins should be previously presented to the commissions.
In justification, the authors of the project highlight that Brazil is a world reference in protein production and export, but still faces structural challenges, such as tariff barriers and logistics, concentration in few markets and increasing sustainability demands. According to the text, the measure aims to diversify export destinations and strengthen Brazil brand as a producer of high quality foods.
The project also establishes 90 days for regulation by the Executive and provides for immediate entry into force after publication. Liberal front parliamentarians argue that the measure strengthens the global competitiveness of the sector, stimulates innovation and job creation, and contributes to productive practices aligned with sustainable development objectives (SDGs).
Who is Jorge Viana
Former Senator for the Acre PT, Jorge Viana chaired Apex since the beginning of the Lula 3 government. His management has been marked by criticism of the lack of transparency.
In June, the (Federal Court of Audit) to investigate Apex spending during the Osaka, Japan. According to Minister-Report, Walton Alencar, he claimed “lack of transparency“.
“The audit should be performed as soon as possible in view of materiality, relevance and risk existing in these public spending”He said at the time.
Osaka was no exception. Expenses in France and with the parade of the first lady Rosangela da Silva, Janja, and other expenses related to business events in France nor were released.
Viana is a historic ally of President Lula and a figure near the first lady.
