Beginning in June, typical Brazilian items, such as coffee and thongs, will be sold in France. Altogether, around 230 products will be offered at 4,900 sales locations, ranging from supermarkets to convenience stores, scattered throughout the country.
“Viva Brasil,” the largest exposition of Brazilian goods destined for display in French territory, was presented yesterday in the Planalto Palace by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The exhibit is part of the Year of Brazil in France, opened to the public this month in Paris.
Discussing the importance of this event for Brazil, Lula urged all of society to be more optimistic and confident, in order for the country to gain new markets abroad, and he emphasized the “good moment” the country is experiencing.
“From the trade perspective, what has occurred in Brazil recently is no small matter. Brazil’s share of world trade in 1995 was only 0.92%, and, in 2002, 0.96%. It is now 1.1%,” Lula informed.
The President guaranteed that in his Administration there will be plenty of chances for small businessmen to export their products.
“In this encounter in France, we have another big opportunity to demonstrate that we can occupy even more space than we already occupy, he underscored.
In June Brazil will also expose French consumers to products such as clothing, beverages, cosmetics made from native fruit, and decorative pieces. The expectation is for new opportunities to arise from the event.
In 2004 Brazil’s exports to France totaled US$ 2.18 billion. The chief products included iron and steel laminates, T-shirts, fruit, motor engine blocks, and wood.
Translation: David Silberstein
Agência Brasil
