Companies from Brazil that participate in Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) projects had growth of 27.5% in their exports from January to May this year when compared with the same months in 2007. The figures were disclosed by the Apex-Brasil.
The projects are developed by the Apex in partnership with over 60 sector organizations. The research shows that the rate of growth of exports of companies that participate in the programs was greater than that of foreign sales of Brazilian companies as a whole during the period, which expanded 19.14%.
The results of the work were presented by Apex president Alessandro Teixeira, during the Apex-Brasil III Strategic Alignment Workshop. According to the minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, Miguel Jorge, who was at the meeting, constant coordination between the government and the private sector is part of the process to strengthen the Brazilian position on the foreign market.
"The Apex and sector organizations and companies have been executing this task very well, with significant work, innovation and quality on the part of the companies, expanding Brazilian exports with the insertion of several products and services in new markets, and opening new channels for exports," stated the minister.
In the 12 months between June 2007 and May 2008, companies connected to the Apex projects had revenues of US$ 10.303 billion with exports. The main destinations for the products were the United States, Russia, Hong Kong, Argentina, the Netherlands, Angola, the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan.
Up to May 2008, a total of 278 commercial promotion events were organized by the Apex, in 35 countries. Among them are fairs abroad, trade missions, invitations to importers to business meetings and fairs in Brazil, business prospecting, market research and product sampling.
The Apex services 4,438 companies in 728 cities. In 2007, 203 companies participating in projects exported for the first time. São Paulo includes 38% of the companies, followed by Rio Grande do Sul (17%) and Minas Gerais (11%).
Of the total, 75% are micro and small companies. The agency works with the sectors of agribusiness, housing and building, entertainment and services, machinery and equipment, fashion, technology and health.
Anba
