Brazil plans to increase its foreign trade volume, including imports and exports, to US$ 200 BN by year 2004.

Most of the increase will come from the exports to be handled by small and medium-size companies, who will benefit from governmental programs designed to help them to place their products abroad. The government has already identified several segments, whose products can compete in the international markets in quality and price. Most of the small and medium-size companies cannot access local lines of credit to finance their production and sales. The new program, already implemented by the government, will remove the credit barriers by providing local banks with the required grarantees.

It is expected that the imports will not increase in the same proportion. However they will continue playing an important role in Brazil's Trade Balance.

This scenario places a great opportunity for those willing to enter the Brazilian market or diversify their imports by country and products.

If you have plans to enter the Brazilian marketplace or start buying from Brazil, you may need a local representative or someone to do the local sourcing. In addition to developing relationships with potential clients and suppliers, that professional can facilitate the negotiations between clients and suppliers and banks, help buyers and sellers to meet the government's requirements, assure a smooth adaptation to the frequent changes in the rules governing the different aspects of the foreign commerce, assist in the resolution of problems that may arise and keep the head office updated on market trends and pertinent legislation.

As a matter of fact, I can provide the expetise you need to sell your products locally or to search for new suppliers. My long experience in developing and managing client portfolios and negotiating with banks active in trade finance would be of great help. I am also knowledgeable about import and export financings, payment terms (letters of credit, collections, open accounts, advance payments, etc.), price/cost formulation (FOB, CIF, etc.), international means of transportation, insurance and the usual documentation to be exchanged/presented by buyers and sellers.

I have been visited by people interested in the subject