On Latin America trip, Bush should strengthen ties with Brazil

The US's ability to address global challenges would be directly enhanced by closer coordination with Latin America.

from the March 8, 2007 edition

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Brazil has already participated in numerous global peacekeeping operations through the United Nations and the Organization of American States, including in Haiti and much of Portuguese-speaking Africa. Expanding such efforts would show Brazil's acceptance of the responsibilities expected of a global actor, and the international community should strongly encourage such action.

Closer to home, even as the US seeks to cure its "addiction to oil," Brazil is the world's most efficient producer of ethanol, a cleaner, renewable fuel. The country is selling ethanol to China as quickly as the fuel can be produced, and if the US opened its own markets, Brazil could more effectively export ethanol there, too.

Though not a panacea, the efficient production and distribution of ethanol and other alternative fuels could contribute to an overall energy solution that must also include conservation. And by promoting alternative fuels, the US helps address climate change while lessening the regional influence of Venezuela's President Hugo Chávez, who is using oil resources to build an ideological movement contrary to US interests.

Finally, global trade talks will continue to get a boost to the extent that the US and Brazil work together to address agriculture subsidies and market-access issues worldwide. Recent discussions at senior levels of government have been promising, and should continue to be pursued with vigor.

By concentrating with purpose and resolve on specific areas of mutual interest, Brazil and the US can build toward an enhanced relationship that would benefit both. Given the challenges we face ahead, the time to get started is now.

• Eric Farnsworth is vice president of the Council of the Americas in Washington.

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