Forum 2: Brazil as a Driver of Innovation: How german and brazilian companies are shaping Growth, Innovation, and Sustainability together

Brazil is increasingly emerging as a driver of innovation in Latin America and is also one of Germany’s most important economic and trading partners in the region. For German companies – particularly the Mittelstand – the country remains a significant export market. At the same time, a growing number of partnerships are bringing German and Brazilian companies together to develop innovations, advance sustainable technologies and tap into new areas of growth.

Against the backdrop of the EU-Mercosur Agreement, German-Brazilian economic relations are gaining further momentum. Improved conditions for trade and investment are creating new opportunities for the export of German technologies, the expansion of local value creation and joint innovation and sustainability projects.

The panel brings together three key perspectives: the German Mittelstand, particularly the machinery and plant engineering sector; innovative financing solutions for investment and transformation; and the perspective of an internationally active Brazilian company. Together, these different viewpoints illustrate how German-Brazilian economic relations are evolving and the role that technology, investment and international corporate partnerships play in this development.

Drawing on concrete business examples, the panel aims to demonstrate how German and Brazilian companies are jointly shaping growth, innovation and sustainability. The discussion will focus on successful cooperation across the entire value chain – from the development and application of new technologies to local production and financing, through to the joint development of innovative solutions.

The panel will highlight how German-Brazilian economic relations today extend far beyond traditional trade ties and are increasingly based on mutual expertise, long-term investment and partnership. It will also explore the opportunities this deepening economic relationship creates, particularly for the German Mittelstand, not least in the context of the EU-Mercosur Agreement.

Moderation: Barbara Konner, CEO & Executive Vice President, AHK São Paulo

• Willmar Henning, Director, WEG Deutschland

• Silke Kleemann, Head Financial Advisory Mobility Turnkey, Siemens Financial Services

• Dr. Viktoria Behrmann, Geschäftsführende Gesellschafterin, Amandus Kahl