Itaqui Port welcomes Japanese ambassador in talks for new investments

The Itaqui Port has taken another step towards potential new investments. On Wednesday morning (January 31), the port’s president, Gilberto Lins, and his directors welcomed a delegation from the Japanese Ambassador to Brazil, Teiji Hayashi, in an institutional visit aimed at assessing a partnership between the two countries focused on food exports and infrastructure investment.

Ambassador Hayashi emphasized the significance of the Itaqui Port for both Brazil and Japan. “The port is a crucial hub for Brazil’s food exports, and Japan is an important trading partner for the country. We believe that a partnership between the two countries can benefit both parties,” he stated.

Last year, Brazil exported only corn to Japan through the Port of Itaqui. As soon as the discussed partnership materializes, other shipments are sure to follow suit.

Corn Exports to Japan through Itaqui | 2023 | WTMT

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Gilberto Lins, the president of the Itaqui Port, affirmed that the port is undergoing expansion and, following Governor Carlos Brandão’s guidance, is open to Japanese investments. “We have a modern and efficient infrastructure, strategically suited for cargo transportation. We believe Japan can become a significant partner for our growth,” he added. During the visit, the Japanese delegation toured the port facilities, including the area where the process of exporting solid bulk, liquid, and other cargo takes place.

They also visited TCN, one of the four consortiums comprising the TEGRAM complex at the Itaqui Port, formed by a consortium of two major agribusiness companies: NovaAgri, part of the Toyota Tsusho group—representatives from the company also accompanied the ambassador—and CHS. The visit also served to discuss the possibility of investments in new industries, such as the production of green hydrogen and natural gas. “Brazil has great potential for green hydrogen production, and Japan is a global leader in this technology. We believe a partnership between the two countries can be very promising,” said the port’s president.

Potentialities

Brazil is one of the world’s largest producers of soybeans and corn, and Japan is one of the main importers of these products. The partnership between Japan and Maranhão could boost Brazilian food exports. In 2023 alone, the Itaqui Port exported over 26.3 million tonnes of solid bulk (corn, soybeans, and soybean meal). In contrast, Japan is a global leader in technology and innovation.

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