Brazil, the largest country in Latin America, lacks direct access to the Pacific Ocean, hindering its trade with major partners like China, Japan, and South Korea. A proposed bioceanic route aims to connect Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile, allowing for easier export of goods and reducing transportation costs. The project involves building highways and a bridge to link the four countries and provide access to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. While the project is expected to boost trade and economic growth, environmental and social groups have raised concerns about potential harm to local ecosystems and communities.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Brazil is the largest and most important country in Latin America.
2. The Atlantic Ocean borders a large part of Brazil's territory.
3. The Atlantic Ocean was a great benefit for Portuguese colonization and Brazilian exports.
4. Brazil's main trading partners include the United States, Netherlands, Spain, Canada, South Korea, Japan, and China.
5. China buys a third of all Brazil's exports.
6. Products from Brazil have to pass through southern Africa to reach China, taking around 45 days.
7. A ship from the port of Santos to the port of La Rochelle in France takes 23 days, but to China takes 45 days.
8. Brazil is planning to access the Pacific Ocean to improve trade with Asian countries.
9. Only Colombia has access to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in South America.
10. In 2021, Brazil exported $323 billion, with around 90% going through the Atlantic Ocean.
11. Australia is a major competitor of Brazil in the meat sector, but has a more expensive product due to its geographical location.
12. Australia is close to Asia and the South China Sea, making it easier to export to Asian countries.
13. Brazil imports around 40% of its products from Asia, 35% from the Americas, and 23% from Europe.
14. Labor costs are much higher in North America and Europe, making electronic products more expensive.
15. Importing electronics from Asia is cheaper due to lower labor costs.
16. The bioceanic route project aims to connect Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile to improve trade.
17. The project will be financed by several countries and organizations, including the La Plata Basin financial fund and the Inter-American Development Bank.
18. The project will have two phases: connecting the port of Santos to Paraguay and connecting South American countries.
19. The route will start in the Atlantic Ocean, pass through São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Porto Murtinho, and end at the port of Antofagasta in Chile.
20. The project will benefit Brazil and the other three South American countries by improving trade and bilateral relations.
21. The most benefited state in Brazil will be Mato Grosso do Sul, which will serve as a gateway for countries.
22. Around 50% of Mato Grosso do Sul's exports go to China.
23. The bioceanic route will help Paraguay increase its export possibilities and finance the construction of new highways.
24. Argentina will also benefit from the project, as it has become one of China's main trading partners.
25. Chile will have the possibility of accessing the Atlantic Ocean through the project.
26. The largest quantity of Brazilian exports to other South American countries is done by land.
27. There are currently no roads as straight as the bioceanic route connecting all countries.
28. The Brazilian chancellor stated that the road is capable of positively developing the entire economy of the surrounding regions.
29. In 2021, Mato Grosso raised around $86 million from tourism.
30. Environmental and social groups are against the project, citing concerns about pollution, exploitation, and damage to local fauna.