Brasília – Brazilian trade delegations expanded Brazilian exports by US$ 363 million in 2011. Throughout the year, delegations sought business in the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico, South America (Peru, Colombia, Chile and Venezuela) and in Southern Africa (Angola, Mozambique and South Africa). Over 230 Brazilian companies participated in roundtables.
According to the Image and Market Access coordinator at the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex), Ricardo Santana, the entrance in new markets and consolidation of existing exchange guarantees to Brazil the position of “strategic market” in the global economic scenery.
“Brazilian trade delegations have been extremely positive. With each delegation, the country consolidates existing bilateral trade dynamics or begins trade exchange. Today, Brazil is placed as an attractive market. In the past we had many needs but now we have solutions.”
The economic moment of uncertainty with regard to the crisis has resulted in the Federal Government showing greater and greater interest in prospection of non-traditional markets to expand destinations for Brazilian exports. A diversified trade basket reduces dependence on markets considered traditional for international sales.
“We must always monitor new markets. We are not the only ones interested in new business. It is all getting more and more competitive,” said the coordinator.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are the next destinations to intensify trade relations. Trade delegation should take place in February 2012. Santana pointed out that the line of market consolidation should be followed next year. “We are going to pick fruit from this year to strengthen the country brand and further expand business.”
Trade missions are organized by the ministries of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade and Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the Apex.
*Translated by Mark Ament
