Canada can’t afford to miss the Brazilian boat

June 10, 2011, OTTAWA – With Brazil poised to become the fifth largest economy in the world, Canada must take action to strengthen our engagement with this economic powerhouse. That’s one of the messages being delivered at a workshop in Ottawa June 14-15 on Canada’s relationship with the thriving Latin American country.

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada is leading the two-day session under the theme of “Advancing Excellence in Strategic Engagement with Brazil.” The workshop will bring together leaders in each country’s government and university sectors to discuss best practices around raising the profile of the bilateral relationship and helping to build mutually beneficial partnerships.

“Beyond its economic power and vast natural resources, Brazil’s most prized commodity is its talent,” says AUCC President Paul Davidson. Brazil already produces two times as many PhDs as Canada, especially in key areas of joint interest – clean energy, biosciences and transportation. Moreover, seven of the ten leading research intensive universities in Latin America are based in Brazil.

“In terms of higher education, there is increasing competition to partner with Brazilian universities, so Canada has to increase its visibility in Brazil and demonstrate our tremendous learning and research opportunities,” says Davidson.

Canadian universities are poised to take action. The university sectors in both countries have long recognized each other’s strengths and are keen to forge closer ties.

“Canadian universities are global institutions, with a global outlook and reach and it is only natural for Canadian universities to partner with their Brazilian counterparts when seeking the best and the brightest the world has to offer,” notes Davidson.

-30-

For more information or interview opportunities:
Helen Murphy
AUCC Communications Manager
Email: hmurphy@aucc.ca
Tel.: 613-563-1236 ext. 238