Brazil, U.S. sign agreement to develop defense technology

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Commander of the U.S. Southern Command Admiral Craig S. Faller shake hands during an agreement signing ceremony, in Miami, Florida, U.S., March 8, 2020. REUTERS/Marco Bello

Brazilian and U.S. governments signed on Sunday an agreement for development of defense projects that may give the South American country access to financing.

The agreement allows partnerships in development of defense technology by private companies, that may use public financing from both countries. Companies may request financing from the U.S. defense research fund.

Brazil's defense industry has around 220 companies and exports to around 85 countries.

Commander of the U.S. Southern Command Admiral Craig S. Faller signs a document during an agreement signing ceremony, next to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Brazil's Defence Minister Fernando Azevedo, in Miami, Florida, U.S., March 8, 2020. REUTERS/Marco Bello

Although President Jair Bolsonaro is looking for a closer cooperation with the United States in defense and intelligence, Brazil's decisions regarding 5G technology are seen as a potential hurdle, according to an Trump administration official.

In a briefing on Saturday, the official, which asked for anonymity, pointed out that the activity of Chinese company Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL], a big supplier of equipment to the Brazilian telecom sector, may prevent a stronger cooperation.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Commander of the U.S. Southern Command Admiral Craig S. Faller attend an agreement signing ceremony, in Miami, Florida, U.S., March 8, 2020. REUTERS/Marco Bello

(Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu in Miami; Writing by Tatiana Bautzer; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)