OVER 30 IRISH COMPANIES HEAD TO BRAZIL ON TRADE MISSION NEXT SUNDAY

16th November 2010

The Embassy of Brazil in Ireland and Embratur, the Brazilian Tourist Office for Ireland & the UK, today announced that over 30 Irish companies leave next Sunday on a trade mission with Mr. Billy Kelleher, T.D., Minister for Trade and Commerce at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland staff . In the past year there has been an unprecedented level of interest from Irish people wishing to holiday or do business in Brazil.

In his opening address at the recent '4th Brazilian Travel Trade Workshop' for over 100 Irish travel specialists in the AVIVA Stadium, the Brazilian Ambassador to Ireland H.E. Pedro Fernando Bretas Bastos said
'' the steady continuing growth in the Brazilian economy, now one of the largest in the world, has seen a huge global demand in interest for individuals seeking top quality tourist destinations and corporates seeking commercial opportunities.

This year our Embassy here in Ireland has seen an unprecedented level of interest in travel to Brazil and, with no visa limitations, also in enquiries to our commercial office seeking information on possible business opportunities.

The recent election results will see Brazil continue the policies and programmes which has marked the turnaround in Latin America's biggest country.

Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world populated with almost 200 million people. 14 cities have over one million people living & working there. The 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics and Paralympics will showcase Brazil to the whole world and also provide opportunities for Brazilians and all nationalities to create a more vibrant, ecofriendly and caring country.

By investing in Brazil, investors are able to profit from local economies as they grow in wealth and confidence. The Brazilian government is investing heavily in infrastructure, industry, education, healthcare, housing and in particular tourism, with the realisation that they have the opportunity to attract FDI, increase GDP, substantiate growth of import and export trade at the same time as increasing local employment and wealth.' he said.

Joao Carlos Parkinson de Castro, The Embassy's Head of the Economic and Trade Sections, had commented on the top 10 reasons for people to visit Brazil and on the increased Irish interest and this Sunday's trip to Brazil by over 30 Irish companies led by Minister Batt O'Keeffe under the auspices of Enterprise Ireland (November 21- 24)

We understand that the top 10 reasons for people to visit Brazil are Climate, Social diversability, Hospitality of people, Supply of accommodation, Many attractions including food & drink, Ecotourism, Beaches and natural beauty, Sport activities, International competitions and increasingly business and event tourism.

'The economic climate in Ireland has seen both Irish companies and individuals look abroad for more opportunities. Brazil has already emerged from the worst of the recession. Posting new stock market highs, decreasing unemployment and strong GDP figures which along with all time low lending rates and a pro-active government, Brazil is currently one of the strongest economic powers in the world and its economy is forecast to grow by 6.5% this year. This summer Brazil lent $10 billion to the IMF. Brazil also holds historically high USD deposits, an abundance of newly discovered oil and an export industry that is going from strength to strength.

We are delighted that many Irish companies have already established a presence in Brazil and we see this upcoming trade mission as very important to both countries. We hope that a reciprocal trade visit can take place here in Ireland next year.' he concluded.

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