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AMBASSADOR OF BRAZIL: DISTANCE IS NOT AN OBSTACLE IF THERE IS MUTUAL INTEREST
ArmInfo's Interview with Marcela Maria Nicodemos, Ambassador of Brazil
to Armenia
by Marianna Lazarian
ARMINFO Thursday, April 4, 15:45
Mrs. Ambassador, during the March 11 2013 visit to Armenia, Brazil's
Deputy Foreign Minister Vera Machado pointed out that Brazil is
interested in developing relations with Armenia. In what spheres is
Brazil going to cooperate with our country and at what level is the
legal and regulatory framework between the two countries?
During her visit to Yerevan, Brazil's Vice Minister of External
Relations, Ambassador Vera Machado, and Armenian Foreign Minister,
Edward Nalbandian, discussed the current stage of bilateral relations.
The sides pointed out that there is a great potential between the two
countries to promote cooperation in various spheres. I should mention
that since the opening of Brazil's Embassy in Armenia, in 2006,
our countries have established cooperation in a number of fields,
particularly, in the cultural area. For instance, the Embassy of
Brazil in Armenia sponsored the visit of important figures from the
Armenian community in Brazil to the Republic of Armenia.
Regarding the legal framework, currently there are two agreements in
force between our countries: the first one is in the area of culture
cooperation and the other is concerning the visa exemption for holders
of diplomatic and official passports. There are two Memorandum of
Understanding - i) on political consultations and ii) on sports and
youth cooperation - whose texts have already been agreed upon and await
signature. Besides, the two countries are negotiating agreements in the
area of technical cooperation, particularly in the areas of healthcare,
agriculture, education, and in the area of harmonization of customs
norms. Also, Brazil proposed to the Armenian authorities a draft
agreement on the performance of remunerated activities by dependents
of diplomatic, consular, military, administrative, and technical staff.
However, even without the proper legal framework in place, Brazil has
developed an extensive program of capacity building in the field of
civil defense in Armenia, which encompassed three visits of Brazilian
delegations to Armenia and two visits of Armenian delegations to
Brazil. In the meantime, Brazil also provided its support in the
field of emergency situations and environmental problems. In order to
mitigate the consequences of the environmental disaster in Noubarashen,
connected with spill of toxic waste, Brazil allocated nearly $100,000
to refurbish the toxic waste laboratory in the region and donated
a vehicle to the Ministry of Nature Protection. Brazil also made
donations to the Armenian Government through UNICEF to help overcome
the infant nutrition problems, especially in the most affected regions
of the Republic.
Vice Minister Machado and Minister Nalbandian came to an agreement that
the two countries have a big potential for cooperation, and that this
potential should be explored further. The exchange of the officials'
visits will contribute to that. It will allow studying possible spheres
of collaboration and working out new and more effective projects to
strengthen bilateral relations. Thus, we need to intensify the visits
of high level officials from Brazil and Armenia, to identify the needs
and put in place strong basis for strengthening the relationship. To
note, the contractual and legal framework between the two countries
also needs to be expanded, and, as I mentioned before, specific steps
are being taken in this direction.
The National Statistical Service of Armenia says that the imports of
goods made in Brazil grew by 11.8% in 2012 and totaled $93.2 mln. Will
the commodity turnover between the two countries keep on growing? May
Armenian products be exported to the Brazilian market in the future
given that the exports dropped to the zero level in 2012, according
to the same statistical data?
Brazil is ready to expand the cooperation if new prospects open. The
trade turnover between the two countries is rather low, and both
Minister Nalbandian and Vice Minister Machado mentioned it. By my data,
the volume of products exported to Armenia by Brazil totaled $34.2 mln
in 2012, which is not a high indicator. But this is connected with
the differences between the two countries. The problem is not only
in low export of Brazilian goods to Armenia, but also the exports of
Armenian products to Brazil.
In 2012, our exports to Armenia grew by 6.6% as compared to 2011,
while imports of Armenian goods to Brazil dropped by 89% as compared
to 2011 and totaled $19 thousands. The Brazilian products entering
the Armenian market remain the same - meat and meat products, sugar,
coffee and tobacco. Brazil is interested in the expansion of Armenian
exports, specially of products such as electric appliances, minerals,
and mostly molybdenum. I should also mention that Brazil has a big
demand for Armenian brandies. Undoubtedly, there are resources and
opportunities to increase the trade turnover between the two countries,
but there are also obstacles, first of all, the distance.
But everything can be overcome in case of mutual interest and efforts.
This was also pointed out during the meeting of the RA Minister
of Economy and Vice Foreign Minister of Brazil. For that purpose
the two sides should set up missions and organize mutual trade
forums to create the favorable conditions and to familiarize the two
countries with their economic potential. Certainly, we cannot force
the businesses to cooperate, but we can create favorable conditions
for them. The Government of both countries should support the business
circles in this matter by providing relevant business platforms for
cooperation. An arrangement to increase the trade turnover between
Armenia and Brazil could be designed and implemented. In this context
big opportunities for cooperation could be explored, but, certainly,
this can be reached through mutual efforts.
You have said that in Brazil you have a certain demand for the Armenian
brandy. Is the Armenian side doing anything to export it?
This is not for us to say. This initiative must come from Armenia.
Should there be a mutual interest, the Brazilian Embassy can help
to find partners in Brazil. We can just support initiatives but
not arrange them. There have been no such requests during my stay in
office. We have no information about the export of the Armenian brandy
to Brazil. There is a possibility that some Armenian businessmen might
have applied with such requests to the Embassy of Armenia in Brazil,
but as far as our Embassy is concerned, we have not so far been asked
to search for such partners in Brazil.
Have you received any requests from Brazilian businessmen for
organizing business in Armenia?
We have received lots of such proposals from both Armenian and
Brazilian businessmen, but we have no information about the outcome of
their negotiations - for companies do not usually inform us about their
talks. There was a case when one Armenian company asked the Brazilian
side through the Government of Armenia to find an investor in Brazil,
but while the Brazilians were looking for the partner, another country
was faster and found an investor who signed contract with that company.
In what international organizations do Armenia and Brazil cooperate?
And how effectively do they do it?
On an international level we cooperate mostly in the framework
of the United Nations. Naturally, we do not cooperate within
European organizations since we are not members to them. At the
UN we cooperate quite effectively and try to help each other where
necessary. Of course, your support here is bigger than ours as we
have more representatives to the UN than you have. We also try not to
hinder each other when one of us is not interested in some issue. So,
I can say that our countries enjoy quite successful cooperation.
Brazil is home to quite a big Armenian community. What role does it
play in your country's social-political life? Do you have high-ranking
officials of Armenian origin?
The Armenian community of Brazil is quite active. We have about
40,000-45,000 Armenians, who live mostly in São Paulo, our most
prosperous state. They are actively engaged in our political, economic
and cultural life. In the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations
there are many Brazilian-Armenians, who are mostly diplomats, like
misters Ohanian, Bahadian, Arslanian, Karmirian, Gasparian who are
all quite influential people. We have a lot of active businessmen
of Armenian origin. One of the biggest of them is the Burmaians,
who are engaged in trade and finance.
Armenians are also very active in culture. One of the most popular
Armenians in this field is actor Stepan Nercessian, who visited
Armenia in 2009 on our invitation. We organized the screening of his
film. He met with President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, the Catholicos
of All Armenians and the Prime Minister. Nercessian is a member of
the Brazilian Parliament, where he actively promotes the interests
of the Armenian community. Also very popular in Brazil is actress
Aracy Balabanian, who performed the role of Dona Armenia.
Armenians are quite influential in Brazil, and we are proud that
in 2009 we were able to organize in Armenia an exhibition about the
first immigrants in Brazil. The story said that the key reason why
the man left his country for Brazil was his love for a woman. But,
to be more serious, the key cause was the WWI.
Our city of Osasco is the twin town of your Gyumri. When visiting
Osasco, the Mayor of Gyumri granted his Brazilian counterpart a cross
stone, which is now at one of Osasco's public squares. Brazil has
all conditions for the local Armenians to preserve their culture. We
have Armenian churches, schools, and clubs. On the other hand, our
Armenians are fully integrated into our society.
You said there is a cultural contract contact between Armenia and
Brazil. What events are organized within the frames of this contract?
The screening of Brazilian films as well as musical presentations
was organized both in Yerevan and Gyumri. As for the organizing of
official Armenia's Culture Days in Brazil, there was no such event,
as I know. The Armenian Embassy in Brazil should initiate and organize
such an event. Unfortunately, similar events are not planned be held
in Armenia in the near future, as our country has to cut its budgetary
funds, because of the global financial and economic crisis. However,
several separate events will be implemented over the current year. In
particular, the screening of Brazilian films, the week of the Brazilian
"capoeira" will be also held, during which Brazilian musicians and
dancers will perform for the Armenian audience.
Are the high level mutual visits scheduled between the two countries?
Such visits have not been scheduled yet. However, Brazil has a strong
wish to organize a high level visit to Armenia. The visit has been
already endorsed by the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil,
but the terms of the visit have not been specified yet because of
tight schedules of high ranked officials from both countries.
Thank you for the interview.
ArmInfo's Interview with Marcela Maria Nicodemos, Ambassador of Brazil
to Armenia
by Marianna Lazarian
ARMINFO Thursday, April 4, 15:45
Mrs. Ambassador, during the March 11 2013 visit to Armenia, Brazil's
Deputy Foreign Minister Vera Machado pointed out that Brazil is
interested in developing relations with Armenia. In what spheres is
Brazil going to cooperate with our country and at what level is the
legal and regulatory framework between the two countries?
During her visit to Yerevan, Brazil's Vice Minister of External
Relations, Ambassador Vera Machado, and Armenian Foreign Minister,
Edward Nalbandian, discussed the current stage of bilateral relations.
The sides pointed out that there is a great potential between the two
countries to promote cooperation in various spheres. I should mention
that since the opening of Brazil's Embassy in Armenia, in 2006,
our countries have established cooperation in a number of fields,
particularly, in the cultural area. For instance, the Embassy of
Brazil in Armenia sponsored the visit of important figures from the
Armenian community in Brazil to the Republic of Armenia.
Regarding the legal framework, currently there are two agreements in
force between our countries: the first one is in the area of culture
cooperation and the other is concerning the visa exemption for holders
of diplomatic and official passports. There are two Memorandum of
Understanding - i) on political consultations and ii) on sports and
youth cooperation - whose texts have already been agreed upon and await
signature. Besides, the two countries are negotiating agreements in the
area of technical cooperation, particularly in the areas of healthcare,
agriculture, education, and in the area of harmonization of customs
norms. Also, Brazil proposed to the Armenian authorities a draft
agreement on the performance of remunerated activities by dependents
of diplomatic, consular, military, administrative, and technical staff.
However, even without the proper legal framework in place, Brazil has
developed an extensive program of capacity building in the field of
civil defense in Armenia, which encompassed three visits of Brazilian
delegations to Armenia and two visits of Armenian delegations to
Brazil. In the meantime, Brazil also provided its support in the
field of emergency situations and environmental problems. In order to
mitigate the consequences of the environmental disaster in Noubarashen,
connected with spill of toxic waste, Brazil allocated nearly $100,000
to refurbish the toxic waste laboratory in the region and donated
a vehicle to the Ministry of Nature Protection. Brazil also made
donations to the Armenian Government through UNICEF to help overcome
the infant nutrition problems, especially in the most affected regions
of the Republic.
Vice Minister Machado and Minister Nalbandian came to an agreement that
the two countries have a big potential for cooperation, and that this
potential should be explored further. The exchange of the officials'
visits will contribute to that. It will allow studying possible spheres
of collaboration and working out new and more effective projects to
strengthen bilateral relations. Thus, we need to intensify the visits
of high level officials from Brazil and Armenia, to identify the needs
and put in place strong basis for strengthening the relationship. To
note, the contractual and legal framework between the two countries
also needs to be expanded, and, as I mentioned before, specific steps
are being taken in this direction.
The National Statistical Service of Armenia says that the imports of
goods made in Brazil grew by 11.8% in 2012 and totaled $93.2 mln. Will
the commodity turnover between the two countries keep on growing? May
Armenian products be exported to the Brazilian market in the future
given that the exports dropped to the zero level in 2012, according
to the same statistical data?
Brazil is ready to expand the cooperation if new prospects open. The
trade turnover between the two countries is rather low, and both
Minister Nalbandian and Vice Minister Machado mentioned it. By my data,
the volume of products exported to Armenia by Brazil totaled $34.2 mln
in 2012, which is not a high indicator. But this is connected with
the differences between the two countries. The problem is not only
in low export of Brazilian goods to Armenia, but also the exports of
Armenian products to Brazil.
In 2012, our exports to Armenia grew by 6.6% as compared to 2011,
while imports of Armenian goods to Brazil dropped by 89% as compared
to 2011 and totaled $19 thousands. The Brazilian products entering
the Armenian market remain the same - meat and meat products, sugar,
coffee and tobacco. Brazil is interested in the expansion of Armenian
exports, specially of products such as electric appliances, minerals,
and mostly molybdenum. I should also mention that Brazil has a big
demand for Armenian brandies. Undoubtedly, there are resources and
opportunities to increase the trade turnover between the two countries,
but there are also obstacles, first of all, the distance.
But everything can be overcome in case of mutual interest and efforts.
This was also pointed out during the meeting of the RA Minister
of Economy and Vice Foreign Minister of Brazil. For that purpose
the two sides should set up missions and organize mutual trade
forums to create the favorable conditions and to familiarize the two
countries with their economic potential. Certainly, we cannot force
the businesses to cooperate, but we can create favorable conditions
for them. The Government of both countries should support the business
circles in this matter by providing relevant business platforms for
cooperation. An arrangement to increase the trade turnover between
Armenia and Brazil could be designed and implemented. In this context
big opportunities for cooperation could be explored, but, certainly,
this can be reached through mutual efforts.
You have said that in Brazil you have a certain demand for the Armenian
brandy. Is the Armenian side doing anything to export it?
This is not for us to say. This initiative must come from Armenia.
Should there be a mutual interest, the Brazilian Embassy can help
to find partners in Brazil. We can just support initiatives but
not arrange them. There have been no such requests during my stay in
office. We have no information about the export of the Armenian brandy
to Brazil. There is a possibility that some Armenian businessmen might
have applied with such requests to the Embassy of Armenia in Brazil,
but as far as our Embassy is concerned, we have not so far been asked
to search for such partners in Brazil.
Have you received any requests from Brazilian businessmen for
organizing business in Armenia?
We have received lots of such proposals from both Armenian and
Brazilian businessmen, but we have no information about the outcome of
their negotiations - for companies do not usually inform us about their
talks. There was a case when one Armenian company asked the Brazilian
side through the Government of Armenia to find an investor in Brazil,
but while the Brazilians were looking for the partner, another country
was faster and found an investor who signed contract with that company.
In what international organizations do Armenia and Brazil cooperate?
And how effectively do they do it?
On an international level we cooperate mostly in the framework
of the United Nations. Naturally, we do not cooperate within
European organizations since we are not members to them. At the
UN we cooperate quite effectively and try to help each other where
necessary. Of course, your support here is bigger than ours as we
have more representatives to the UN than you have. We also try not to
hinder each other when one of us is not interested in some issue. So,
I can say that our countries enjoy quite successful cooperation.
Brazil is home to quite a big Armenian community. What role does it
play in your country's social-political life? Do you have high-ranking
officials of Armenian origin?
The Armenian community of Brazil is quite active. We have about
40,000-45,000 Armenians, who live mostly in São Paulo, our most
prosperous state. They are actively engaged in our political, economic
and cultural life. In the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations
there are many Brazilian-Armenians, who are mostly diplomats, like
misters Ohanian, Bahadian, Arslanian, Karmirian, Gasparian who are
all quite influential people. We have a lot of active businessmen
of Armenian origin. One of the biggest of them is the Burmaians,
who are engaged in trade and finance.
Armenians are also very active in culture. One of the most popular
Armenians in this field is actor Stepan Nercessian, who visited
Armenia in 2009 on our invitation. We organized the screening of his
film. He met with President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, the Catholicos
of All Armenians and the Prime Minister. Nercessian is a member of
the Brazilian Parliament, where he actively promotes the interests
of the Armenian community. Also very popular in Brazil is actress
Aracy Balabanian, who performed the role of Dona Armenia.
Armenians are quite influential in Brazil, and we are proud that
in 2009 we were able to organize in Armenia an exhibition about the
first immigrants in Brazil. The story said that the key reason why
the man left his country for Brazil was his love for a woman. But,
to be more serious, the key cause was the WWI.
Our city of Osasco is the twin town of your Gyumri. When visiting
Osasco, the Mayor of Gyumri granted his Brazilian counterpart a cross
stone, which is now at one of Osasco's public squares. Brazil has
all conditions for the local Armenians to preserve their culture. We
have Armenian churches, schools, and clubs. On the other hand, our
Armenians are fully integrated into our society.
You said there is a cultural contract contact between Armenia and
Brazil. What events are organized within the frames of this contract?
The screening of Brazilian films as well as musical presentations
was organized both in Yerevan and Gyumri. As for the organizing of
official Armenia's Culture Days in Brazil, there was no such event,
as I know. The Armenian Embassy in Brazil should initiate and organize
such an event. Unfortunately, similar events are not planned be held
in Armenia in the near future, as our country has to cut its budgetary
funds, because of the global financial and economic crisis. However,
several separate events will be implemented over the current year. In
particular, the screening of Brazilian films, the week of the Brazilian
"capoeira" will be also held, during which Brazilian musicians and
dancers will perform for the Armenian audience.
Are the high level mutual visits scheduled between the two countries?
Such visits have not been scheduled yet. However, Brazil has a strong
wish to organize a high level visit to Armenia. The visit has been
already endorsed by the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil,
but the terms of the visit have not been specified yet because of
tight schedules of high ranked officials from both countries.
Thank you for the interview.