𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐎 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐥 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
Together with Flanders Investment & Trade - Brasil we've hosted a highly successful opening session focused on Brazil’s bioeconomy and the opportunities for collaboration with Belgium. This mission, led by Princess Astrid and attended by a ministerial delegation alongside 400 participants, highlighted the strategic importance of the bioeconomy. Both Rodrigo Rollemberg, Brazil’s Minister for Green Economy, Decarbonisation, and Bioindustry, and Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele delivered compelling speeches underscoring the mutual opportunities. It was evident that VITO has a pivotal role to play in this dynamic sector.
“The timing could not have been better. Last week, during the G20, Brazil’s bioeconomy was featured on the agenda for the first time, with ten high-level principles being established. This will undoubtedly be a central theme at COP30 in 2025, which Brazil will host.”
– Vanbroekhoven Karolien, one of the mission’s coordinators
Brazil is heavily investing in the bioeconomy, renewable energy, and biodiversity – three areas that align seamlessly with VITO’s core expertise.
The opening session featured three engaging roundtable discussions, focusing on:
● The importance of the bioeconomy for a sustainable transition
● The need for research and innovation
● Industrial collaboration between Belgium and Brazil
Brazil’s vast potential for biomass production complements Belgium and Flanders, home to the second-largest chemical cluster in the world. This provides a robust foundation for future partnerships. Additionally, the excellent port infrastructure in both countries was highlighted by Daan Schalck from NSP Gent as a decisive asset for fostering collaboration.
VITO’s specialised expertise in the bioeconomy, particularly its focus on lignin and unique pilot infrastructure, offers significant opportunities. The existing partnership with Braskem is a prime example of this, but there are even greater prospects on the horizon.
A key takeaway from the opening session was that the bioeconomy delivers optimal benefits when combined with investments in renewable energy and biodiversity. This integrated approach is crucial for a sustainable future and provides a strong foundation for further collaboration between Belgium and Brazil.
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Picture from left to right: Dietrich Van der Weken (VITO), Vanbroekhoven Karolien (VITO), Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, Inge Neven (CEO VITO), Flemish Minister Matthias Diependaele, Ludo Diels (VITO)
#BEmissionBRA
