Buckhorn, Tampa Hillsborough EDC To Lead Trade Mission To Brazil

July 31, 2013

Matchmaking program will connect local businesses with Brazilian export sales opportunities
 
TAMPA, Fla./Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn will lead a trade mission to Sao Paulo, Brazil on October 20-23, to promote export sales opportunities for Tampa Bay businesses.  Organized by the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, this mission is a key component in efforts to expand global trade relationships, while attracting job-creating foreign direct investment to Hillsborough County.
 
“We are a true gateway to Latin America, and building a stronger partnership with Brazil can become an important economic driver for our region,” said Mayor Buckhorn.  “We have a tremendous opportunity to leverage the state’s existing ties and expand our relationship with this emerging economic power.”
 
The sixth largest country in the world, Brazil is home to Latin America’s most dynamic and prosperous economy.  An estimated $470 billion will be spent on infrastructure development as the country prepares for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Summer Games in 2016.  In 2012, Florida exported nearly $15.8 billion in goods and services to Brazil, making it the state’s leading export market.
 
“Many factors are contributing to the demand for American goods and services, including a growing affluence, a strong currency, outdated infrastructure and insufficient production capacity,” said Rick Homans, President and CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC.  “Combined with the recent announcement of a new direct flight to Latin America on Copa Airlines, and the increased access it creates, Brazil offers a wealth of opportunity for Tampa Bay exporters, and a valuable platform to market the assets and advantages our community.”
 
The Sao Paolo mission will include events designed to connect participating companies with Brazilian trade partners through one-on-one business matchmaking sessions, coordinated in partnership with Enterprise Florida and the U.S. Commercial Service.  Participants will also meet with high-level government officials, join seminars and events presented by local business organizations, and attend a networking reception at the residence of the United States Consul General.
 
The EDC is actively seeking companies that are interested in doing business with Brazil, within industries that include, but are not limited to: aerospace and aviation, agriculture, construction and engineering, cosmetics, defense and security, drugs and pharmaceuticals, education and training, electrical power and renewable energy, environmental technologies, IT hardware and software, medical equipment, mining, oil and gas, telecommunications, transportation, and travel and tourism.
 
Participation in the matchmaking portion of the mission will be limited to 10 companies, with applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.  Grants are available for qualifying businesses.  The products, services and objectives of each applicant will be reviewed for market suitability by in-country industry experts.
 
The deadline to register for the event is Friday, August 23.
 
The trade mission to Brazil is the latest activity in an ongoing effort to align the international business development initiatives of the Tampa Port Authority, Tampa International Airport, the University of South Florida, Tampa Bay Trade & Protocol Council and Visit Tampa Bay.  Representatives from each organization will be participating in the event.
 
For registration information, please contact Lorrie Belovich, Director of International Business Development, at lbelovich@tampabayedc.com.
 
About the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation:
The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation (tampabayedc.com) is the lead economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace.  Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC drives job creation and capital investment through the recruitment, expansion and retention of economic base businesses in Hillsborough County.