Spotlight on Brazil
By Carol Webster, Cassel International
Carnaval has come and gone...on the beaches of Copacabana and elsewhere in Brazil, business came to a screeching halt for the better part of a week, as everyone participated in “The Best Party on Earth."
Now it’s back to business, and business is booming in Brazil! Today, Brazil is the 13th largest export market for U.S. goods, and has one of the world’s largest economies, with a population of about 184 million. According to the U.S. Commercial Service, top prospects for export to Brazil include agricultural equipment, computer hardware and software, medical equipment, telecommunications products and services, pharmaceuticals and travel and tourism services.
As you start to do business in Brazil, be aware of some of the cultural differences between our two countries. f possible, try to get an introduction from someone before you meet new prospective Brazilian partners or customers. Those personal contacts can make the difference between success and failure. Be prepared to spend some time socializing before getting down to business (I can remember being very surprised at all the questions asked about my personal life, and lack of marriage prospects at the time, when traveling on business in South America!). Allow for a little flexibility in scheduling meetings...the concept of time tends to be a bit more fluid in Brazil.
For more information on doing business in Brazil, take a look at the World Bank Doing Business publication or the U.S. Commercial Service’s Brazil website.