To the Machinery Industry Association, growth fostering measures announced by federal government do not provide for benefits to machine manufacturers. Exports were up 12% from January to May.

Long-Term Interest Rate charged on Brazilian Development Bank financing dropped from 6% to 5.5% a year. The measure is expected to encourage investing and will apply to both old and new contracts.

Executives from one of the great retailers and distributors in the Middle East are at the fair that is taking place in São Paulo. Al Garawi group sells 10 million pairs a year in the region.

Even though the United States currency has appreciated against Brazilian real, favouring exports, the industry should see a decline in foreign sales. Still, businessmen are enthusiastic.

Minas Gerais state-based women’s shoe brand Cláudia D’Ávila invests in artistic and exclusive production to sell more to Brazil and abroad. The brand is already present in Bolivia and French Guiana.

The Brazilian government will provide US$ 55.6 billion to finance the 2012-2013 crop, starting in July, as against US$ 51.7 billion in the previous cycle.