Speaking on the theme “The Role of Agro-energy and the Carbon Market in Sustained Development”, BM&F’s Chairman, Mr. Manoel Cintra Neto, highlighted that Latin America’s sustainable growth depends on a greater energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources of energy, citing the use of alcohol, crushed sugar cane, bio-diesel, rice shell, and wind energy, among others. During his speech, Mr. Cintra Neto drew attention to the Brazilian Carbon Market (MBRE), a joined initiative between BM&F and the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade (MDIC), that, according to the Chairman, creates the base for Brazil to be considered a benchmark in carbon credit market. The functioning of the MBRE was explained in detail by Mr. Guilherme Fagundes, head of the Special Project Department at BM&F. The BM&F Carbon Facility receives validated projects and project idea notes that will result in Certified Emission Reductions (carbon credits) and also expressions of interests, becoming a beacon of business opportunities. The carbon credit trading system is being implemented, and according to Mr. Cintra Neto, this phase with options, forward and spot trading will be put into operation gradually.
For BM&F’s Chairman, the Exchange is a tool that can, through its initiatives and products, contribute to improve the commodity chain, “bringing more wealth to all Latin American countries, more jobs, and more business opportunities for foreign investors and multinational companies. “BM&F’s initiatives in the area of biomass and energy can trigger historical changes”, he said also mentioning the fact that the Exchange was pioneer in launching sugar and alcohol futures contracts. “If we come together under this flag, which permeates all agribusiness, we can take huge steps towards the development of Latin America”, stated Mr. Cintra Neto.