Tajani Uses O Globo to Defend Italy-Brazil Ties

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani published an article in O Globo newspaper defending the strengthening of economic partnership between Italy and Brazil, in a text released during his visit to São Paulo. The publication marks the beginning of a two-day agenda in the São Paulo capital, which brings together a delegation of more than 100 Italian companies interested in expanding business in the Brazilian market.

Tajani's Article in O Globo

In the text published by the Rio newspaper, Tajani argued that Italy and Brazil are experiencing a new phase of commercial cooperation, driven by both historical ties and recent economic opportunities. According to Corriere della Sera, this is the third visit by the Italian foreign minister to Brazil since taking office as Foreign Minister, which reinforces the Rome government's interest in consolidating the bilateral relationship as one of the priorities of Italian foreign policy in Latin America.

Tajani's visit to São Paulo brings together representatives from sectors such as manufacturing, technology and services, in meetings that should discuss both direct investments and medium-term commercial partnerships. The official agenda includes meetings with Brazilian authorities and representatives of the local business community, as well as events aimed at the Italian-Brazilian community.

Recent news from Italy shows that economic diplomacy has been a hallmark of Tajani's tenure as head of the Foreign Ministry, with recurring trips to countries with large communities of Italian origin.

Bilateral Trade Numbers

According to data cited in the article published by Tajani, trade between Italy and Brazil totaled € 11.07 billion in 2025, a growth of 6.7% compared to the previous year. Italian exports to Brazil reached € 5.8 billion, a figure that represents 76.6% of everything Italy exported to the Mercosur bloc in the period.

The foreign minister also highlighted the impact of the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, noting that in the first month after its implementation, Italian exports to Brazil grew 22.3%. The data was presented as evidence that the agreement is already producing concrete effects on the trade flow between the two countries, still in the early stages of full implementation.

These numbers reinforce the understanding that Brazil remains the main destination for Italian exports within the South American bloc, ahead of partners such as Argentina and Uruguay, according to the survey cited by Tajani in his article.

Why It Matters to Italian Descendants

Tajani's article also drew on the historical link between the two countries to justify deepening economic relations. According to the text, Brazil is home to approximately 970,000 registered Italian citizens and an estimated community of 32 million descendants, making the country home to the largest community of Italian origin outside of Italy.

This population base has been treated by the Italian government as a strategic asset, not only symbolic but also economic. According to data mentioned in coverage of the São Paulo meeting, approximately 1,100 companies with Italian participation already operate in the Brazilian market, working in sectors ranging from the automotive industry to financial services.

For part of this community, interest in the bilateral relationship also involves issues related to identity and family documentation, including Italian Citizenship processes pursued by descendants seeking formal recognition of their link to Italy. Although Tajani's article focused on the commercial aspects of the relationship, the text acknowledges that the demographic weight of the Italian diaspora in Brazil is part of the historical foundation that supports Rome's political and economic interest in the country.

The repercussion of the article also draws attention to how Italy has sought to balance foreign policy and economic diplomacy, using the Italian-Brazilian community as a bridge for negotiations that go beyond trade in goods, including cooperation in areas such as education and professional mobility. Those who follow the daily life of Brazilians who live or intend to live in the European country can find more context in the Life in Italy section of the portal.

The São Paulo meeting is expected to extend for one more day, with an agenda focused on sector meetings and encounters with representatives of the Brazilian government, according to the schedule released by the Italian delegation.

The publication of Tajani's article in O Globo, combined with the extensive business agenda that accompanies his visit, indicates that the Italian government intends to treat Brazil as a strategic priority partner in South America in the coming years, betting on both historical ties and new opportunities opened by the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur.

Source: Italianismo