File photo: Geraldo Alckmin, Brazil's vice president, speaks during a ministerial meeting at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, on Aug 26, 2025. Photo: CFP

 
By Brasil 247 - Brazilian Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, Geraldo Alckmin, departed for Mexico City on Tuesday (Aug 26) to begin an official mission aimed at strengthening political relations and expanding trade between Brazil and Mexico, the region's two largest economies.

"Mexico is a key partner for Brazil. This visit is a strategic opportunity to deepen our political dialogue and, above all, to open new channels for trade and investment that will bring prosperity to our peoples," Alckmin said ahead of the trip.

Meeting with President Sheinbaum

A central moment of the agenda will be Thursday's meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace. The two leaders are expected to discuss food security, energy transition and bilateral investment expansion.

Sheinbaum also stressed the importance of the encounter. "We have this meeting to strengthen relations and complement our economies. We are not only talking about trade in a few sectors, but also about investment flows in both directions. It will be a very important meeting," she told the Mexican press.

Agreements and key engagements

Alckmin's schedule includes talks with Mexico's ministers of Agriculture, Foreign Affairs and Economy. He will also attend the Brazil-Mexico Business Forum and meet with business leaders from industry, agribusiness, health and energy sectors.

During his stay, Alckmin will be awarded the Keys to Mexico City in a ceremony led by local head of government Clara Brugada Molina at the Old City Hall.

Brazilian delegation

The delegation includes senior officials and representatives from multiple areas: Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro, Planning Minister Simone Tebet, Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Maria Laura da Rocha, ApexBrasil head Jorge Viana, Conab president Edegar Pretto, Anvisa official Leandro Safatle, as well as representatives from Fiocruz, the Butantan Institute and the National Confederation of Industry (CNI).

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva underlined the importance of the mission, stating at a ministerial meeting on Tuesday: "I am very confident it will be a successful trip."

Growing trade relations

In 2024, bilateral trade between Brazil and Mexico reached $13.6 billion. Brazilian exports totaled $7.8 billion, led by passenger vehicles ($715.4 million), poultry ($563.7 million) and cargo vehicles ($507 million). Imports from Mexico amounted to $5.8 billion, driven by auto parts ($849 million), passenger cars ($757.8 million) and freight vehicles ($264.2 million).

Business agenda and protein sector focus

On Thursday, Alckmin will meet with Mexican Health Secretary David Kershenobich before heading to talks with President Sheinbaum. Later in the day, he will hold additional meetings with local business leaders and conclude his mission by attending an event organized by the Brazilian Animal Protein Association, a key sector in Brazil's export strategy.

（Reported by Brasil 247 on August 26, 2025）