EN 
PT_BR 
The governor of Santa Catarina, Jorginho Mello, signed this Wednesday, June 18, in Tokyo, a Letter of Intent with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan. The document formalizes the mutual interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of agribusiness, food security and logistics infrastructure.
The signing is part of the international mission led by Santa Catarina in Japan and is in line with the Japan-Brazil Strategic and Global Partnership Action Plan (2025–2030), signed in March of this year, which recognizes Brazil as a key partner in Japan's food security.
One of the main points of the agreement is the intention to develop, in partnership with the private sector, an efficient logistics network for grain exports. In this context, the Port of São Francisco do Sul is highlighted as a key player in expanding Santa Catarina's exports to the Asian market.
Photos: Claudio Neves
The state intends to consolidate itself as a grain supply hub for Japan, taking advantage of its strategic location and the already recognized sanitary standards of its products. “This protocol for new investments will make the productivity of this port increase significantly in the coming years. It means investments of millions of dollars and, at the same time, opportunities for employment and income for the people of Santa Catarina. Governor Jorginho Mello has made this point very forcefully and very clearly. We want to export our animal protein to the world, but we need investments in infrastructure, whether railways, highways or ports,” explained the Secretary of International Relations, Paulo Bornhausen.
The Letter of Intent also provides for incentives for the presence of Japanese companies in Santa Catarina, especially in the agricultural, food and logistics sectors. The objective is to attract investment, increase the exchange of knowledge and ensure the fluidity of bilateral trade.
The document is initially valid for two years and represents a political and institutional commitment between the signatories. The letter was signed by Noguchi Yasushi, Deputy Director-General for Latin American and Caribbean Affairs at MOFA; Mori Shigeki, Director-General of the Office of Export and International Affairs at MAFF; and the governor of Santa Catarina, Jorginho Mello. “Our goal is to pave the way for Santa Catarina to become a strategic supplier to Japan, as it already is in pork. Now, we are also seeking this rapprochement in the grain sector, with adequate infrastructure and guaranteed food security,” said the governor.
The document also opens the way for technical studies, bilateral forums and the eventual formalization of more detailed agreements between the parties. The expectation is that the first practical actions will begin to be structured this year.
