Economic mission in Brazil already a success for VITO
During the economic mission in São Paulo (Brazil), VITO and Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) 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.
Picture from left to right: Dietrich Van der Weken (VITO), Karolien Vanbroekhoven (VITO), Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, Inge Neven (CEO VITO), Flemish Minister Matthias Diependaele, Ludo Diels (VITO).
Timing en strategic focus
“The timing could not have been better,” said Karolien Vanbroekhoven, one of the mission’s coordinators. “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.” Brazil is heavily investing in the bioeconomy, renewable energy, and biodiversity – three areas that align seamlessly with VITO’s core expertise.
Three key roundtable discussions
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.
Flemish expertise in the bioeconomy
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.
Synergies with renewable energy and biodiversity
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.
