The leading Brazilian manufacturers and exporters, representing about 30 companies in the construction, food and beverage, home furnishing, electrical and electronics, agricultural, industrial equipment, food processing, catering, medical, transport and automotive sectors, met distributors, agents, retailers and wholesalers from SA, Tanzania and Kenya over two days.
Andre Favero, Business Director of Apex-Brasil said: "African buyers had participated in an average of 10 meetings each. Few of these Brazilian companies have been to sub-Saharan Africa before, and local businesses have been impressed with the quality and competitive pricing of their products. We expect a good increase on exports to these countries whose buyers are meeting our companies in this mission."
Bilateral trade between Brazil and Africa has grown from $6.153 billion in 2003 to $26.761 billion in 2014. However, there is room for significant trade growth, said Apex-Brasil.
The Brazilian trade delegates said they were optimistic about the outcomes of the mission. Damaris Eugenia Avila da Costa, Director of building materials company Braseco, said her company had been exporting specialised glass and wood products to South Africa since 2001. It also does business with companies in Tanzania; however she sees scope for significant growth - particularly into new markets such as Kenya. Boasting advanced technologies and patented products not available in the region, Braseco is seeking to step up business with sub-Saharan Africa, she said. "We have had promising meetings with delegates from Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa," she added.
Ricardo T Kono, Export Manager of furniture maker SMP Indústria e Comércio de Móveis Ltda, said the mission was the company's first into this region. "We have had buyers from sub-Saharan Africa travelling to our factory in Brazil, so we believe there is growing interest in our products here," he said. SMP is known for its modern design, high quality and competitive pricing, said Kono, and currently exports to a number of countries around the world. "Our differentiator is our modern and innovative furniture designs, including multifunctional pieces. We believe there is good potential for us to grow in the region, particularly in the South African market."
Fernanda Castro, Sales Executive of dairy foods company Mococa, was also exploring potential in sub-Saharan Africa for the first time. The 90-year-old company, known for its high-quality range of products including condensed milk, UHT milk and milk drinks, has been exporting to a global market for 80 years. However, the sub-Saharan region remains relatively untapped. "The products are made from fresh milk - not powdered - and are very competitively priced. We have had very promising meetings with buyers from this region," she said.
For trade enquiries, contact az.oc.stcejorpedart@anliw.
