FGV’s International Intelligence Unit (IIU) held the “International Trade and Economy Conference” and the “Seminar for Young Researchers and Students” from March 21 - 23, in Rio de Janeiro, both under the Jean Monnet Network on Atlantic Studies project. These initiatives are part of the second phase of the project on ‘Economy in the Atlantic’, created through a partnership between 10 research institutions across four continents bordering the Atlantic Ocean.

The “Seminar for Young Researchers and Students”, held on the 21^st, gathered more than 50 students from different institutions and courses to discuss the challenges of energy, trade dynamics and human security in the Atlantic Basin, alongside renowned international scholars. The event was highly praised by all participants, fostering an important concern with the future of the Atlantic among the next generation of scholars and researchers.

The “International Trade and Economy Conference”, held on March 22 and 23, was kicked off by professors Renato Flôres (Director of NPII) and Rubens Penha Cysne (Dean of FGV’s Brazilian School of Economics and Finance – EPGE), who emphasized the project’s transcontinental and multidisciplinary approach to break down modern trade relations in the Atlantic. The event’s sessions included lecturers from different countries, such as Portugal, Mexico, Spain, Morocco, South Africa, United States, Brazil, and Belgium, providing extensive insight into the economy, in addition to promoting different synergies and sharing experiences.

The goals were to address the current characteristics and changes in trade connectivity across the Atlantic; compare experiences with sub-regional integration efforts; explore the impact of negotiations in the Atlantic; and better understand how Asia’s economic involvement in the Atlantic Hemisphere is changing trade, investments, and other economic ties.

The closing ceremony on the 22^nd included a special appearance by the European Union’s ambassador in Brazil, João Gomes Cravinho, who explained the EU’s role as a player in the Atlantic, its experiences and relevance as a trade partner.

A roundtable was held on the 23^rd, led by professor Renato Flôres, which included Carlos Mariani (CEBRI), Daniel S. Hamilton (Johns Hopkins Univ. SAIS - School of Advanced International Studies), Renato Baumann (Brazilian Ministry of Planning), and Roberto Fendt (China-Brazil Business Council). The panelists discussed future prospects and the framework of business deals in the Atlantic region. 

The insights and debates of the event will be used in a book to be published by the end of the year, provided on the website as an open source to students, scholars and opinion leaders. 

Go to the project’s website or IIU’s website for more information.