MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL
The Department of Transportation of the United States of America and the Ministry of
Infrastructure of the Federative Republic of Brazil (hereinafter referred to as “the Participants”);
Recognizing the high level of cooperation between the United States and Brazil;
Noting the Aviation Partnership Memorandum of Understanding, signed on 9 April 2012;
Recalling the Memorandum of Cooperation on Transport, signed on 13 May, 2013;
Taking into account the considerable international trade between the United States and Brazil;
Recognizing the significant role of infrastructure in supporting trade between the United
States and Brazil;
Recognizing that continued growth in trade depends on efficient transportation links between
the two countries;
Emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration to achieve common
transportation goals, such as improved safety, greater efficiency, and advancements in
innovation as the United States and Brazil prepare for the future of transportation;
Hereby, enter into this Memorandum of Cooperation (hereinafter referred to as “the Memorandum”)
to establish a new cooperation mechanism to enhance systemic and ongoing technical exchanges,
supporting shared transportation objectives, as follows:
SECTION I
The Participants intend to undertake cooperation and collaboration on the basis of equality,
reciprocity, and mutual benefit.
SECTION II
The Participants intend that the cooperation and collaboration may include, but not be limited
to, the following fields:
1. Surface transportation;
2. Air transportation;
3. Maritime transportation;
4. Intermodal transportation;
5. Innovation in the transportation sector to include automated and connected vehicles and
unmanned aerial systems; and
6. Other fields of mutual interest.
SECTION III
The Participants may pursue cooperation through one or more of the following methods:
1. Exchange of scientific and technical information on subjects of mutual interest;
2. Exchange of specialists, delegations, and scientific and technical personnel;
3. Exchange of students at academic institutions;
4. Joint organization of symposia, seminars, and other meetings, either physical or virtual;
5. Joint research in the science and technology of transportation; and
6. Other forms of cooperation as mutually determined.
SECTION IV
With regard to the cooperative activities under this Memorandum, the Participants may allow,
as appropriate, the participation of other relevant governmental agencies, public enterprises,
researchers, and organizations from all sectors of the research establishment, including universities,
national laboratories, and the private sector.
SECTION V
In order to coordinate the cooperative activities, each Participant may designate a representative
to be responsible for determining the particular directions of cooperation and for ensuring the
effectiveness of exchange. The representatives of the Participants or their designated coordinators
should consult, by correspondence, with each other and define the cooperative activities and other
related matters.
SECTION VI
Cooperation and cooperative activities are subject to the availability of funds and personnel.
SECTION VII
Specific cooperative projects and activities may be embodied in separate implementing arrangements
between the Participants, added as Annexes to this Memorandum, which may cover the subject,
procedures, and terms of cooperation to be undertaken, the entities involved, funding, and other
appropriate matters related to the conditions of such cooperation.
SECTION VIII
The Participants may consult, as appropriate, on any matter that may arise from, or in connection
with, this Memorandum.
SECTION IX
Scientific and technical information of a non-proprietary nature derived from the cooperative
activities conducted under this Memorandum may be made available to the public through
customary channels and in accordance with the normal procedures and law of the Participants
and other governmental entities involved in the cooperative activities.
SECTION X
Information transmitted by one Participant to the other under this Memorandum in accordance
with national law should be accurate to the best knowledge and belief of the transmitting
Participant, but the transmitting Participant does not intend to warrant the suitability of such
information for any particular use or application by the receiving Participant.
SECTION XI
Differences which may arise between the Participants due to the interpretation or implementation
of the provisions of this Memorandum should be settled amicably through consultations between
the Participants.
SECTION XII
The activities under this Memorandum may commence on the date of signature below. Either
Participant may end its cooperation under this Memorandum at any time, but should attempt to
provide sixty (60) days prior written notification to the other Participant.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
______________________________
Elaine L. Chao
Secretary of Transportation
FOR THE MINISTRY OF
INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE
FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL
______________________________
Tarcísio Gomes De Freitas
Minister of Infrastructure