Brazil calls for partnership with Turkey
Within the scope of Export Compass events organized by the Turkish Exporters Council, the Brazilian market was reviewed. Paulo Roberto França, Consul General of Brazil in Istanbul, said that Brazil and Turkey are strategic partners.
França said, "Let us conclude a free trade agreement between the two countries. Let us extend our trade relations to third countries as partnerships."
Ramazan Kısa, former Trade Attaché in São Paulo, noted that Turkey can sell automotive parts, construction materials, textiles, flour and confectionery products to Brazil, saying, "Do not get upset wondering why things are not done quickly in Brazil.
Because they are relaxed people. Build close relationships with them, watch football together" he said.
The Export Compass event series, which the Turkish Exporters Council (TİM) began organizing with the support of Coface to help exporting companies become better acquainted with target markets, continues in 2018. Within this scope, the Brazilian market was examined comprehensively at the year's second meeting.
At the opening of the "Route: Brazil" panel held at the Foreign Trade Complex and moderated by Nevsal Zülküf Alhas, Director of Research and Development at TİM, Consul General of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Istanbul Paulo Roberto França said that with new President Michel Temer, the country is rapidly transitioning to a free market economy.
'Let us create partnerships in third countries'
França noted that following a 3.5% contraction in the economy in 2015 and 2016, they achieved 2.5% growth in 2017, and added that inflation had also declined from the 12% level to 2.5%.
Underlining that Brazil is an important center in the industrial and agricultural sectors, França stated that improvements in the business environment create significant opportunities. Noting that a free trade agreement must be signed to increase trade between Turkey and Brazil, França continued as follows:
"Turkey is a strategic partner for Brazil. There are serious opportunities for both countries. In some sectors, we can establish partnerships in third countries alongside Brazil and Turkey. Particularly in engineering and construction, which are our strengths
we can create partnerships in Latin America, Africa and the USA, as well as in the Middle East, the Caucasus and Africa, where Turkey is strong."
'Do not get upset, watch football together'
Ramazan Kısa, former Trade Attaché in São Paulo and Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Economy's Directorate General for Europe, provided technical information to company executives participating in the panel about doing business in Brazil.
Noting that automotive parts, construction materials, textiles, machinery, cosmetics, dried fruits, flour and confectionery products can be exported from Turkey to Brazil, Kısa drew attention to the high customs duties in the country.
Kısa said, "Companies participating in trade shows in Brazil should not expect to receive orders immediately. Thorough research on the market should be conducted beforehand. Meet with relevant companies. Brazilians are very similar to us. However, do not get upset asking why things are not done quickly.
Because Brazilians are relaxed people, they do not like conflict. If you want to do business with Brazilians, build close relationships, watch football together" he said.
At the panel, Emre Özer, Member of the Board and General Manager of Coface, also informed companies about credit insurance, while representatives from companies operating in the machinery, automotive spare parts, dried fruit products and textiles sectors and leading in exports to Brazil shared their experiences with participants regarding the country.
At the closing of the event, Felipe Pinto, Commercial Adviser at the Consulate General of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Istanbul, stated that they could assist companies regarding the Brazilian market and that their doors are open to Turkish firms.
