Infrastructure follows as main demand on agenda of agribusiness

Agribusiness entities expect advances in infrastructure and reduction of bureaucracy in the management of the new Minister of Agriculture (Mapa), Tereza Cristina. At the same time, the sector notes with caution the clash between u.s. and China and the possible move of the Embassy of Brazil in Israel. " Compete in the international market and live with narrow margins. There is no transfer of price. So logistics is very important, is the only area that can reduce costs, "says the Director-General of the National Association of exporters of cereals (Anec), Sérgio Mendes, he highlights how core needs for the completion of the works of BR-163, the highway linking the areas of grain crops in the Midwest with the ports in the North of the country, the construction of the rail line known as Ferrogrão and expansion of routes hidroviárias. Mendes believes that the modal expansion of transportation could reduce the competitive disadvantage compared to the United States and China. The leader declares that the expectations with the new Minister "could not be better" and that he believes the industry will be heard on the issues about infrastructure. The absence of asphalt in some stretches of the BR-163 have caused losses for producers of millionaires soybeans and corn. In February 2017, rainfall caused jam and queues of thousands of trucks heading to the port terminals of Mirituba and Santarém, Pará. "We need to finish those works, just 90 km are asphalted. Is harmful to convey this image of trucks stranded abroad. " Mendes also considers worrying the price of shipping and its effect on the flow of maize. "The damage to the industry is too large, I think the page has no way to persist or the competitiveness will be compromised," he adds. In 2018, exports of corn had 18% reduction compared to the previous year. "We're anticipating returning to the level of 2017, but disregarding the freight," he says. The President of the Brazilian Association of Animal protein (ABPA), Francisco Turra, also evaluates positively the name of Tereza. "She is in the business and had an impeccable performance in the parliamentary front. We hope more faster responses and fewer tethers to the sector. " Opening of markets in December, the ABPA initiated the 500 k Project, which aims to reach the monthly average of 500,000 tonnes in exports added chicken and swine meat by the end of 2020. "We designed a larger insertion, especially in Europe and Asia. Today, we export less than 400,000 tons, which is enough, "adds Turra. He sees with optimism the progress of negotiations for the agreement between MERCOSUR and the European Union. "It is very important, is drawing. The own rapprochement with the US, instead of us away from other markets can change the perception that Brazil is peripheral, distant from major destinations. " Mendes admits concern about the trade war between the U.S. and China. "In 2018, was favorable for Brazil, but causes fears. The industry is so competitive, you don't need other people's problems, which only bring unpredictability and unnecessary concerns. " Charlie believes that Brazil cannot take sides in the trade dispute between the two powers. "Both u.s. and China are important markets and vital to the Country." He also downplayed the possibility of transferring your Brazil Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and consequential losses with Islamic markets. "This issue concerns, but we know that in practice there is a campaign speech and a Government", says the Manager. According to the ABPA, exports of halal meat (animal abatement process that follows the precepts Muslims) yielded $ $3.2 billion into the country in 2017. Charlie believes that the Ministry of agriculture is aware of the importance of this market for Brazil. "It's not a negligible value that the sector can give up so easily", highlights the leader.