CÚPULA DA AMÉRICA LATINA E DO CARIBE SOBRE ... - Funag

CÚPULA DA AMÉRICA LATINA E DO CARIBE SOBRE INTEGRAÇÃO E DESENVOLVIMENTO - CALC
historically sought to direct the destinies of our countries. It is unacceptable
that our legitimate expectations should now be frustrated. At this moment of
severe international turbulence, we are adopting measures to reduce the impact
on our economies and preserve our accomplishments in the social arena. But
we should have no illusions. We will not emerge from the crisis by acting
alone. We must join forces to demand greater transparency and
democratization of the mechanisms that regulate the global financial system.
Nor can we accept that protectionist barriers antithetical to economic
integration be erected. The crisis provides yet another reason for concluding
the DOHA Round to the benefit of developing nations, but we cannot wait
indefinitely for the richest countries, precisely those that caused the crisis, to
adopt more flexible positions. Without giving up on a global multilateral
agreement, we must strengthen our regional agreements and associations with
other countries and trade blocs, above all those of the South.
Friends, a more just and equitable international economic order is only
possible if we overcome the challenges of energy security and global warming.
I am convinced that our region holds powerful solutions to the diversification
of our energy mix. In addition to enormous hydrocarbon and hydroelectric
reserves, we boast significant sources of renewable energy, such as biofuels.
The Brazilian experience demonstrates that an alternative capable of creating
jobs, income, and export earnings, while also contributing to a reduction in
greenhouse gases, without jeopardizing the food security of our peoples, is
within our grasp. Brazil is currently engaged in cooperation in Latin America
and the Caribbean to disseminate the country’s sustainable energy model.
We are prepared to work with other partners interested in these renewable,
clean, and cheap sources.
Our region also has the means to lead the discussions on food security,
above all in the wake of FAO’s findings that malnutrition is on the march
worldwide. Today, our poor are eating more and better thanks to the economic
and social progress we have achieved. Through our agricultural research
corporation, EMBRAPA, Brazil is engaged in technical cooperation initiatives
in various countries of the region. We want to repeat in Latin America and the
Caribbean the remarkable increase and diversification in agricultural production
attained here in our country. Yet, it is important the issue is given priority
consideration at the next FAO meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in March.
My dear colleagues, there cannot be regional integration without
integration of our physical infrastructure. It is preposterous that it is still easier
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