Brazilian President Lula stated on Monday (15th) that the government's collective efforts and the high quality of national products have been key factors in expanding over 500 international markets for Brazilian agricultural products between 2023 and 2025. "Our success stems from years of accumulated experience," he said.

According to Zhongjin, President Lula attended the completion ceremony of the headquarters of the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) in Brasília. The event also celebrated the opening of 500 new overseas markets.

This commercial expansion work is led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, with the participation of ApexBrasil, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Services, and collaboration with the private sector.

Lula emphasized, "Today, products produced in Brazil not only meet domestic demand, but the high production volume also allows us to meet the needs of the international market. This is the most ideal situation."

The President praised the ministers and departments involved in Brazil's internationalization efforts and expressed his desire to further drive the internationalization process. He plans to attend the industrial fair in Hanover, Germany next year, one of the leading events for innovation and industrial technology globally. Lula believes that the Brazilian industry is competitive and in a unique position.

Additionally, Lula will visit South Korea to explore cooperation opportunities in the cosmetics field; he will also visit India to seek collaboration opportunities in defense, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural technology.

According to estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply, Brazil's expansion into 500 new markets in over 80 countries has the potential for annual exports exceeding $37.5 billion. Products such as meat, cotton, fruits, and fish have performed well in these new markets.

Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Favaro, considers trade expansion a "historic achievement," benefiting from Brazil's strong diplomatic efforts and robust production capacity. He mentioned that Brazil is set to receive foot-and-mouth disease-free certification in 2025.

Favaro stated that these 500 new markets will gradually transform into new business opportunities. "Companies purchase products, make initial shipments, find good product quality, timely delivery, strong market demand, and as Brazil can meet these demands, they expand their operations. In the coming years, Brazil will gradually see the results of these 500 markets, marking a long journey and a great opportunity," he added.

According to ApexBrasil's data, the agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has conducted over 170 international activities in 42 countries, expected to bring about $18 billion in business opportunities, servicing over 3,000 Brazilian companies. During this period, there have been 19 presidential-level and 5 vice presidential-level official visits.

ApexBrasil Director João Vianna also emphasized the importance of collaboration with the private sector. He said, "ApexBrasil has signed cooperation agreements with 52 sectors of the Brazilian economy, participating jointly in overseas activities. These agreements follow a 50-50 model, with ApexBrasil and partner organizations each contributing half. This is to ensure that Brazil has global influence. Thousands of events are held every year."

Established in 2003, ApexBrasil was founded during President Lula's first term. As of October 2025, the agency has supported 20,754 companies in a year, with 66% being micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, with a special focus on the northern and northeastern regions, as part of Brazil's strategy to decentralize trade promotion activities.

Vice President and Minister of Industry, Trade, and Services, Geraldo Alckmin, stated that Brazil is poised to break export records this year. He said, "Even with slowing global economic growth and falling prices, our exports are expected to exceed $345 billion, with total trade reaching $629 billion."

Alckmin added, "No country can achieve such strong and sustainable growth without opening up to the world, without emphasizing foreign trade, and without conquering markets."