Brazil Roundup: Coffee production, regional airports, art exhibitions  

Modernisation of regional airports

Brazil's Ministry of Ports and Airports is launching the “AmpliAR Program,” which aims to invest R$7.3 billion in the modernisation of 102 regional airports. The initial phase will focus on R$3.4 billion ($5 million) for 51 underperforming airports, with auctions planned for 2025. The program allocates funds for upgrading 89 existing terminals and 13 new airports. The timeline includes public consultations within 30 to 40 days and bids expected by early February 2025, with contracts allowing one year for licensing and two years for investment execution. The government's strategy relies on involving major airport concessionaires to boost regional airport infrastructure, Valorinternational reports.

Coffee production

Coffee prices have surged to their highest level since 1977, with Arabica beans reaching 320.10 US cents per pound due to concerns about limited supplies from Brazil's drought-affected crop. Brazil, the leading coffee producer, faces significant production potential risks for 2025/2026, despite recent rains that aided flowering. Geopolitical factors, including shipping disruptions and regulatory changes, have further contributed to rising prices. Meanwhile, Vietnam's Robusta coffee supply is also under pressure, with prices hitting record levels, according to Barrons.

Digital assets

Brazil is proposing legislation to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve, potentially transforming its economic approach to digital assets. The initiative, known as the Reserva Estratégica Soberana de Bitcoins (RESBit), aims for up to $3 billion in Bitcoin holdings, managed by the Central Bank through secure "cold wallets" and biannual reporting. Congressman Eros Biondini emphasises the importance of this initiative for economic sovereignty and innovation, Crypto News Flash reports. Despite Brazil's status as the 10th largest cryptocurrency market and the rising trend of Bitcoin adoption globally, the proposal faces legislative challenges amid concerns over cryptocurrency volatility. This move aligns Brazil with a growing recognition of cryptocurrency's transformative potential within national financial systems.

Belgian, Sao Paulo partnerships

During an economic mission in São Paulo, Belgian companies and universities signed around 30 contracts with Brazilian partners across various sectors. Highlights included Leuven-based SME Turbulent's plan to develop innovative hydroelectric power stations and Zaventem-based Desmet's contract for a soybean processing plant aimed at establishing the world’s largest biodiesel production site. Additionally, Ghent's Terra Mater announced a collaboration to produce sustainable aviation fuel using Brazilian ethanol. Belgan News Agency reports that Belgian universities also formed partnerships with institutions in São Paulo. The mission, which included 170 delegates led by Princess Astrid, aims to foster long-term economic relations, with expectations of more contracts following this initial signing. Additional missions are planned for India and California.

Brazil participates in La Biennale di Venezia

Brazil has announced its participation in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, opening on May 10, 2025, with a pavilion curated by the Plano Coletivo group. Architects Luciana Saboia, Eder Alencar, and Matheus Seco will lead the project, focusing on socio-environmental challenges through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates architecture, nature, and social infrastructure. According to Arch Daily, the exhibition, titled "Intelligens," will explore how architectural practices can mediate between natural and built environments, responding to the Biennale's theme proposed by Carlo Ratti. The curatorial team will draw on Brazil's unique relationship with its environments and highlight the potential of collective intelligence to reshape habitation amid socio-environmental crises.