Brazil Emerging Market for Canada

(Canadian Sailings – Kathlyn Horibe)

Companies encouraged to find niche opportunities, local partners

Doing business in Brazil requires local partners who understand the country’s culture and bureaucracy. That was one of the main messages delivered at a seminar on Brazil-Canada trade hosted earlier this year by the Quebec chapter of I.E.Canada in collaboration with the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce.

“You need partners and introductions to them,” said Johane Séguin of Export Development Canada. “Do your homework. There’s lots to gain.” Ms. Séguin is senior advisor, Latin America, at EDC, which provides Canadian exporters with financing, insurance and bonding services as well as foreign market expertise.

“Local presence is essential,” said David Verbiwski, former consul of the Consulate General of Canada in São Paulo. “You can’t do it without a local partner. It takes people stopping by to see your customers on a regular basis and speaking to them in their own language. Executives (from head office) should also get down there at least once a year to visit customers. Business is built not only on quality and price but also on relationships.” Read the complete article here.