Canadian PM talks business in Brazil

BRASILIA, Brazil, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper promoted further trade and economic ties between Brazil and Canada in Sao Paulo for a second day Tuesday.

Harper and a contingent of political and business leaders arrived in Brasilia Monday and were greeted by President Dilma Rousseff. Throughout the day at Planalto Palace, the pair signed several agreements expanding existing agreements that included helping Brazil prepare for hosting the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Harper's office said.

The leaders also agreed on an air transport pact that gives airlines in both countries more flexibility on pricing, flight frequency and routes, the release said.

Tuesday, Harper flew to the financial capital Sao Paulo to speak with business leaders, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. said.

Brazil can't unilaterally enter into broad bilateral trade agreements as it is a member of a four-nation group called Mercosur with fellow members Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, the Ottawa Citizen said.

Harper's six-day Latin American tour that began Sunday includes visits to Colombia, Costa Rica and Honduras, his office said.