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Unlocking Brazil¡¯s sustainable road freight and trade potential
Latin America | Brasilia

Unlocking Brazil¡¯s sustainable road freight and trade potential

3 Jul 2025 · Prosperity, Environment

With the Bioceanic Corridor and COP30 on the agenda, Brazil is setting ambitious goals to expand trade and make its crucial road freight sector more sustainable. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½was in Brazil last week, with its member ±·°Õ°ä&²¹³¾±è;³¢´Ç²µ¨ª²õ³Ù¾±³¦²¹, for high-level meetings on TIR and decarbonisation. 

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Senior Director of Strategy and Development Vincent Erard and ±·°Õ°ä&²¹³¾±è;³¢´Ç²µ¨ª²õ³Ù¾±³¦²¹ held a series of key meetings last week in Brazil to support the government and road transport sector in delivering more sustainable logistics and trade.

The discussions mainly focused on three pressing priorities: supporting the Bioceanic Corridor initiative to expand trade westwards towards Paraguay, Argentina and Chile; Brazil¡¯s accession to the TIR system; and the decarbonisation of commercial road transport.

In high-level talks with Brazil¡¯s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, Vincent Erard stressed the importance of adopting international best practices and the role of strong public¨Cprivate collaboration to unlock the full potential of the Bioceanic Corridor.

The Vice President highlighted the ratification of the TIR system as a key priority, noting it supports Brazil¡¯s efforts to streamline customs and modernise regulations. He confirmed that submitting the TIR accession process to the Brazilian Congress aligns fully consistent with the country¡¯s current policy agenda.

meeting between IRU, ±·°Õ°ä&²¹³¾±è;³¢´Ç²µ¨ª²õ³Ù¾±³¦²¹ and Brazil¡¯s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin

The talks also focused on sustainability and the future of green logistics, in view of Brazil¡¯s leadership role in hosting COP30 in Bel¨¦m later this year. The meeting looked at opportunities to accelerate Brazil¡¯s decarbonisation efforts with alternative fuels and efficiency measures, as recommended by the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Green Compact: a global roadmap to carbon neutrality in road transport by 2050.

Prior to the meeting with the Vice President, discussions with the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) and its General Director, Guilherme Theo Sampaio, explored sustainability and decarbonisation efforts, particularly along the Bioceanic Corridor.

discussions with the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT)
discussions with the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT)
discussions with the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT)
discussions with the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT)
discussions with the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT)
discussions with the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT)

ANTT reaffirmed its commitment to improving connectivity, fostering logistics integration, and strengthening collaboration with IRU. It underscored the importance of building trust, ensuring regulatory stability, and creating a secure environment for investment. These steps are vital for a resilient and efficient transport system.

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½and ANTT agreed to outline a framework for future collaboration in an MoU.

Engagement with the National Confederation of Transport (CNT) further emphasised a shared commitment to greener logistics. Conversations with CNT President Vander Costa and Institutional Relations Director Valter Luis de Souza focused on scaling up funding and promoting alternative fuels. Vincent Erard proposed a technical mission focused on understanding the functioning of the TIR system.

Engagement with the National Confederation of Transport (CNT)
Engagement with the National Confederation of Transport (CNT)

Vincent Erard also participated in CNT¡¯s regular road freight session, chaired by ±·°Õ°ä&²¹³¾±è;³¢´Ç²µ¨ª²õ³Ù¾±³¦²¹ President Eduardo Rebuzzi, demonstrating IRU¡¯s ongoing dedication to fostering international dialogue. The objective is to develop freight transport policies that are safer, more sustainable, and more efficient ¨C not just for Brazil but for the entire region.

In a separate meeting, Minister Jo?o Carlos Parkinson de Castro of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil and Vincent Erard explored key strategic issues around the Bioceanic Corridor and its potential for regional integration, cross-border trade coordination and growth with the TIR system.

They also explored opportunities to improve road safety and address driver shortages by professionalising the sector and leveraging international partnerships.

In addition, a meeting with customs authorities focused on measures required to implement TIR.

meeting with customs authorities

Finally, a strategic discussion with Jorge Bastos, President of Infra S.A., explored cooperation opportunities in logistics infrastructure and trade facilitation.

Both sides recognised the crucial role of customs integration. They also endorsed the TIR system as a modern and secure tool for streamlining international goods transit. This, they agreed, will enhance Brazil¡¯s competitiveness in global markets.

strategic discussion with Jorge Bastos, President of Infra S.A.

To date, 77 countries and the European Union have acceded to the TIR Convention, the UN¡¯s longest-running public-private partnership.