Since 1974, Brazil and Japon have in progress a program of cooperation for the Cerrados region. The project has been expanded during the eighties. In 1989, more than 600 000 hectares are concerned in a region where a tremendous growth of soybean production take place. Its increasing balance of payment surplus gives to the Japan the means of a great direct investment and cooperation policy. What is the logic of that strategy ? What are the effects on the reciprocal trade and on the agricultural model of development of the Cerrados region ?
