Philippine Embassy in Brasilia Charge d’ affaires Leilani S. Feliciano joins the ASEAN Heads of Diplomatic Missions under the ASEAN Committee in Brasilia (ACB)’s Meeting, Presentation and Luncheon with the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA)
BRASILIA, 08 JULY 2021 - The Philippine Embassy in Brasilia Charge d’ affaires, ad interim Ms. Leilani S. Feliciano participated and joined all the ASEAN Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Brasilia under the ASEAN Committee in Brasilia (ACB)’s meeting, presentation of UNICA and luncheon with the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) President Evandro Gussi and Executive Director Eduardo Leao de Sousa on Possible Bilateral Cooperation on Ethanol with ASEAN countries on 08 July 2021 at the UNICA office in Brasilia. Ambassador Marcia Donner Abreu, Secretary for Bilateral Negotiations in Asia, the Pacific and Russia of Brazilian Ministry of External Relations also participated in said meeting.
The following ASEAN Ambassadors and Charge d´ affaires of the ASEAN Committee in Brasilia (ACB) who listened to PP presentations and engaged in discussions were H.E. MRS. PHAM THI KIM HOA- (Chairperson, ASEAN Committee in Brasilia), Ambassador of Viet Nam; 2) H.E. MR. EDI YUSUP- (ACB Vice-Chairperson), Ambassador of Indonesia; 3) H.E. MR. LIM JUAY JIN, Ambassador of Malaysia; 4) H.E. MR. MYO TIN, Ambassador of Myanmar; 5) Hon. MS. LEILANI S. FELICIANO, Charge d’affaires, a.i. of the Philippines; 6) H.E. MR. DESMOND NG, Ambassador of Singapore; and 7) H.E. MS. NITIVADEE MANITKUL, Ambassador of Thailand.
All ASEAN Heads of Missions (Ambassadors and Charge d’ affaires, a.i.) listened to the PP presentations of and discussed with UNICA President Evandro Gussi, a former Brazilian Congressman from the State of Sao Paulo, and Executive Director Sousa, former Senior Economist and Cluster Leaders for Agricultural and Environmental Programs at the World Bank in Washington (2003-2007) before joining UNICA in 2007. Their presentations focused on the work and accomplishments of UNICA and on the proposed ASEAN-Brazil Cooperation on Ethanol.
Ambassador Marcia Donner-Abreu, Secretary for Bilateral Negotiations in Asia, the Pacific and Russia of Brazilian Ministry of External Relations, expressed hope that the ASEAN Ambassadors would find the presentation and meetings to be fruitful and that possible bilateral cooperation could be explored between UNICA and ASEAN countries.
UNICA President Evandro Gussi introduced the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) to the ASEAN Ambassadors. UNICA is the leading trade association for the sugarcane industry in Brazil, representing 55% of the country’s sugarcane production and processing. UNICA’s priorities include serving as a source for credible information and analysis about the efficiency and sustainability of sugarcane products, particularly ethanol. UNICA works of the continuous advancement of sustainable practices throughout the sugarcane industry while promoting sugarcane-based biofuels as a clean and reliable alternative to fossil fuels. Brazil has championed the use of ethanol would assist in reducing pollution and preserving the environment, improving agribusiness, developing sustainable mobility and provide an alternate source of fuel.
During the Q and A sessions after the speeches and PP presentations, all ASEAN Ambassadors conveyed their appreciation to the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations and UNICA for organizing this meeting and UNICA presentation in order to gain deeper knowledge and insights on Brazil’s and UNICA’s endeavours and accomplishments in ethanol, bioelectricity and other aspects of sugarcane and ethanol processing and production and their benefits, and for proposals for Possible Cooperation between ASEAN and Brazil on Ethanol. The ASEAN Heads of Missions expressed willingness to cooperate and learn from Brazil’s impressive experience and expertise in ethanol production, processing and all the attendant benefits from its use.
UNICA President Gussi hosted a sumptuous lunch after the UNICA presentation and discussions. END
