Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva made a powerful case for deepened regional integration among South American nations at the forum “Um Projeto de Brasil” (A Brazil Project), celebrating the 30th anniversary of Carta Capital magazine. Speaking on Wednesday, President Lula emphasized the importance of uniting South American countries to bolster regional development and forge robust trading partnerships beyond the continent, particularly with global powers like China. He stressed that while Brazil is poised to lead this initiative, the country does not intend to impose an imperialist agenda on its neighbors.

President Lula’s address underscored Brazil’s commitment to regional unity as a pathway to collective growth. “In the same spirit of reducing inequalities within countries, we are going to take very, very strong care of integration. I’m convinced that we have to persuade the neighboring countries that alone, we remain small, but together, we can achieve great things,” the president stated. He highlighted the necessity for South American nations to collaborate closely, harnessing their collective strengths to achieve significant progress on the global stage.

The president’s vision is rooted in the belief that regional integration is crucial for the prosperity and stability of South America. “We don’t want to be imperialists […]. Building a relationship based on trust and mutual interest is what drives us to promote South America as a bloc,” Lula asserted, reaffirming his long-standing support for the Union of South American Nations (Unasur) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac). These organizations, according to Lula, are vital platforms for fostering unity and collaboration across the region.

Strategic Partnership with China

A key highlight of President Lula’s address was his focus on establishing stronger ties with China. As Brazil’s largest trading partner for the past 15 years, China plays a crucial role in Brazil’s economic landscape. At the end of the year, President Lula is set to host Chinese President Xi Jinping in Brazil to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The meeting is expected to pave the way for a long-term strategic partnership that will benefit both countries.

Lula emphasized that Brazil’s approach to China is not about competition with other global powers, such as the United States. “We aim to become a stronger economy than ever before and need to seek out partners. When I mention China, it’s not to compete with the United States; rather, I want both the U.S. and China as allies,” he explained. Lula’s vision is for Brazil to be a respected global player with a clear and strategic economic project.

This strategic partnership with China is expected to be multifaceted, encompassing trade, technology, infrastructure development, and more. Lula also announced his plans to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, where China and Latin American countries will discuss expanding trade routes and deepening economic ties.

During the forum, which brought together leaders from the public and private sectors, discussions centered on the importance of national and South American integration. The forum also focused on the paths to achieving a fair and inclusive energy transition—an area where President Lula sees significant opportunities for regional collaboration.

“We need deep regional integration, based on skilled work and the production of science, technology, and innovation to generate jobs and income,” Lula stated. He argued that the state must play a critical role as a planner and inducer of development, particularly in reducing asymmetries within and between countries.

Lula’s vision for South America includes not only economic cooperation but also the sharing of technological advancements and innovations. By fostering a collaborative environment where countries can pool resources and expertise, South America can enhance its global competitiveness. The president also stressed the importance of the state in guiding this process, ensuring that development is equitable and benefits all sectors of society.

New Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) and Regional Projects

Lula also highlighted the New Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), a cornerstone of his government’s policy framework. The PAC aims to drive economic growth and development across Brazil, with a strong focus on regional integration. The program has been developed with input from states and municipalities, ensuring that it addresses the specific needs of different regions.

One of the key components of the PAC is the development of physical infrastructure to enhance Brazil’s connectivity with its neighboring countries. Lula mentioned five key physical routes designed to boost Brazil’s integration with Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. These routes are expected to facilitate trade, improve access to markets, and strengthen economic ties between Brazil and its neighbors.

The first of these routes is set to begin operations in 2025, linking the entire North Region and part of the Northeast to the tri-border area of Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. This ambitious infrastructure project is a testament to Lula’s commitment to regional integration and his belief that improved connectivity is essential for economic growth.

President Lula’s call for greater South American integration comes at a time when the region is facing numerous challenges, including economic instability, political unrest, and social inequalities. By advocating for closer ties among South American nations, Lula aims to create a united front that can better navigate these challenges and secure a more prosperous future for the region.

Lula’s approach is not merely about economic cooperation; it is also about fostering a sense of regional identity and solidarity. He believes that by working together, South American countries can overcome their individual limitations and achieve collective greatness. This vision of regional unity is particularly important in a global context where emerging economies like those in South America must contend with powerful global players.

Unasur and Celac

The Union of South American Nations (Unasur) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) are central to Lula’s vision of regional integration. These organizations provide platforms for dialogue and cooperation, allowing South American countries to coordinate their efforts and present a united front on the global stage.

Lula’s support for Unasur and Celac is based on his belief that regional blocs are essential for achieving sustainable development and reducing inequalities. By strengthening these organizations, Lula hopes to create a more cohesive and resilient South America that can better withstand external pressures and leverage its collective strengths.

While Lula’s vision for South American integration is ambitious, it is not without challenges. The region is marked by significant economic disparities, political differences, and historical tensions that could complicate efforts to achieve deeper integration. Moreover, the success of this initiative will depend on the willingness of other South American leaders to embrace Lula’s vision and commit to working together.

However, the opportunities presented by greater regional integration are substantial. By pooling resources and coordinating efforts, South American countries can enhance their global competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and improve the quality of life for their citizens. Moreover, closer ties with global powers like China could open up new markets and create additional opportunities for economic growth.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s call for greater integration among South American countries represents a bold vision for the region’s future. By advocating for deeper collaboration and stronger ties with global partners like China, Lula aims to position South America as a united and powerful bloc on the global stage. While challenges remain, the potential benefits of this approach are significant, offering a pathway to sustainable development, economic growth, and improved regional stability.

As Brazil prepares to host key discussions with China and participate in global forums like APEC, the success of Lula’s vision will depend on the ability of South American countries to come together and work towards a common goal. If successful, this initiative could mark a new era of prosperity and cooperation for South America, solidifying its place as a major player in the global economy.