The government is considering expanding the trade agreement with the US.
The expansion of ATEC aims to facilitate bilateral trade, improve regulatory practices, and strengthen anti-corruption measures between Brazil and the U.S.
247 - The Brazilian government is evaluating the possibility of expanding a protocol of the Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement (ATEC) in negotiations with the United States, according to the column by Caio Junqueira, from CNN Brazil. The ATEC was approved by the Senate in 2019, signed in 2020, and made official in the Official Gazette of the Union by Decree No. 11.092, of June 11, 2022.
What is ATEC and what are its objectives?
The ATEC currently covers only non-tariff barriers and functions as a protocol of intent establishing rules for transparency and economic cooperation. Among its main annexes are trade facilitation, good regulatory practices, and anti-corruption measures. These points were decisive in the opening of investigation 301, conducted by the USTR, the United States Trade Representative, against Brazil.
Trade facilitation and good regulatory practices
The first annex of ATEC focuses on facilitating trade, seeking to streamline procedures for the transit of goods and simplify customs processing. The second annex details good regulatory practices, encouraging transparency and uniformity of rules applicable to companies and public bodies.
Anti-corruption and integrity measures
According to the report, the third annex deals with anti-corruption measures, highlighting the importance of preventing and combating illicit practices, protecting whistleblowers, promoting integrity among public servants, and involving the private sector and civil society in the implementation and monitoring of these actions.
