The search for new market niches for Brazilian products, in the face of the inward-looking orientation of American policy, is the keystone of the effort that will be undertaken by the Brazilian Ambassador to the United States, Roberto Abdenur. These initiatives are expected to be launched beginning in 2005.
After a meeting at the American Chamber of Commerce in Rio de Janeiro, Abdenur expressed his concern over the 8% rate of growth in Brazilian shipments to the American market, well below the overall level of Brazilian exports.
He acknowledged the diversification obtained by the country in terms of products and destinations, but he considered “insufficient the effort by the Brazilian government and private sector to take advantage of the American market.”
According to the Ambassador, each year the United States imports US$ 1.0005 trillion (one trillion, 500 million dollars), of which Brazil accounts for only US$ 16 billion.
“It is an inadequate figure. The country is failing to exploit all the broad market segments and niches that are available in the United States to exports from Brazil or any another country.”
Abdenur also underscored the need to broaden American citizens’ knowledge of Brazil. He informed that he is defining “complex” work schemes that involve not only trade promotion and cultural and image diffusion activities, but tourism as well.
“They are ideas that will involve a large number of agents on the Brazilian side, including government and private sector missions, besides the Embassy and consulates,” he explained.
Agência Brasil
Translator: David Silberstein