Members sought for U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum

Members sought for U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum    The U.S. Commerce Department has opened the recruitment period for U.S. companies to apply for membership to the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum.
   Commerce Secretary Gary Locke co-chaired the sixth meeting of the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum on March 12-13, where U.S. and Brazilian business executives discussed recommendations to improve trade between the two countries.
   'Our nations established the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum to add an important private-sector voice to the discussion on growing trade and investment, and creates jobs in both countries,' Locke said.
   The forum, comprising 20 chief executive officers from the United States and Brazil, meets twice a year to make recommendations to the two governments on ways to strengthen the U.S.-Brazil economic relationship. The U.S. CEOs serve two-year terms, and are selected from respondents to a joint Commerce-White House Federal Register notice for applicants.
   The forum's recommendations have advanced discussions between the United States and Brazil governments on important issues such as visa reform, customs procedures, education, energy, trade facilitation and infrastructure, the Commerce Department said.
   According to the department, in the past five years, trade between the United States and Brazil has more than doubled with total U.S. goods and services exports to Brazil in 2010 estimated to be more than $50 billion. Brazil is among the fastest growing economies in the world and is expected to grow 4 percent to 5 percent in 2011.
   Companies interested in participating in the forum should view the Federal Register notice for information on how to apply. Applications should be received no later than April 29.