Brazil celebrates 196th Independence Day

Over 350 guests joined the reception hosted by Brazilian Ambassador Rodrigo do Amaral Souza and his gracious wife Lais do Amaral at the Peninsula  Manila to celebrate the 196th anniversary of Brazil’s Independence Day.

Also gracing the occasion were dean of the Diplomatic Corps Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia,  Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Lumen Isleta.

In his speech, Amaral Souza noted the strength of the relations between Brazil and the Philippines that began in 1946, adding that there is great potential to intensify this relationship. Despite the geographical distance, both nations are united by common values and historical ties, sharing the legacy of multiculturalism and diversity, the ambassador said.

“The Brazilian government will spare no efforts to create effective conditions for a sustainable deepening of our bilateral relations with the Philippines, inspired by the spirit of friendship and cooperation which has always prevailed between us,” the ambassador stated.

One indication of strengthening ties is the growing bilateral trade between the two nations, which has an annual average of $1 billion, with room for trade expansion considering the complementarities between the Brazil and the Philippines.

Brazil is just overcoming one of the most severe economic recessions in its history, experiencing two consecutive years of decline. However, recent developments indicate that the nation is approaching a turning point in its economy, among them the one-percent increase in its GDP last year and projections that its economy will grow by 1.5 percent in 2018.

“These positive developments were only possible as a result of the adoption of an ambitious agenda of short-, medium- and long-term structural reforms,” Amaral Souza said, adding that “the combination of sound economic policies, structural reforms and fiscal adjustment will further consolidate the fundamentals of the Brazilian economy.”