Brazil's Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex) launched a new project to encourage business through trading companies. The aim is to increase the export volume of small- and medium-sized companies by means of foreign trade companies.
"We noticed that a large number of small and medium companies that participated in our events did not manage to maintain their exports, mostly due to lack of knowledge of the foreign market," said the manager of the project at Apex, Maurício Manfré.
According to him, the project's objective is to combine quality products manufactured by the industry and good services offered by the trading companies, providing importers with a full package.
Initially, the agency is going to promote, in Brazil, business roundtables among industries and foreign trade companies, with support from commercial associations. "Thus, manufacturers will get acquainted with this mode of indirect export," stated Manfré.
Later on, trading companies are going to be invited to participate in international events, such as trade fairs, missions and business roundtables, in order to offer the products of small- and medium-sized industries.
According to Manfré, the actions should follow the model of the mission to North Africa that was promoted in the first half of 2007 by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and the Apex. During the trip, representatives of companies in various sectors engaged in seminars and previously scheduled business meetings with companies from Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.
At first, the segments regarded as most promising are those of foodstuffs, products for households and construction, clothing, cosmetics, cleaning material and capital goods. "In this type of event (multi-sector) trading companies end up fairing better, because they have a much broader range of products to offer," stated Manfré.
Five markets were chosen as priorities for the project's actions: Angola, China, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Mexico. These countries are regarded as gateways into their respective regions.
"Our market intelligence has determined that these markets present the highest growth rates for imports and the greatest number of business opportunities for Brazil," said Manfré. "Furthermore, those are countries where the presence of intermediaries, such as trading companies, is not considered bad. On the contrary, it is well-regarded" he asserted.
According to the manager, approximately 150 foreign trade companies have already contacted the agency showing interest in the program. The Foreign Trade Studies Center Foundation (Funcex) is surveying the trading companies, a process that should be concluded by late May.
"We need this survey because we possess knowledge about the industries, but not about the trading companies. The role of the Funcex will be to provide us with a profile of those companies," he declared.
The action will be turned to companies in the states of São Paulo (SE), Rio de Janeiro (SE), Minas Gerais (SE), Paraná (S), Rio Grande do Sul (S) and Espírito Santo (SE). Manfré believes that from 20 to 35 companies should go on the missions.
The first mission should take place as early as August, to Angola, when a fair should be held in the country. The budget for the project is forecasted to be between 4 million reais (US$ 2.3 million) and 5 million reais (US$ 3 million).
Trading companies interested in the project should send an email to fcorreia@funcex.com.br requesting password to enter the foundation Website and fill out a registration form at www.funcex.com.br/apexquest_1.asp .
Anba – www.anba.com.br
