Good morning to all!
Thank you for the warm welcome, Gabriel, and thank you American Chamber of Commerce in Sao Paulo for hosting this event today. I participated in the SelectUSA Global Summit in Washington last year and met some of you there, so I am particularly thrilled to join you for this SelectUSA event here in São Paulo. I would also like to recognize the presence of the Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade, Kenneth Hyatt, our sponsors and delegations.
It is amazing to see such a full house here this morning! We are delighted to have 220 Brazilian companies join us today, along with 9 U.S. state, local, and regional economic development organizations. I am impressed!
Our countries share a common background and a close relationship that has stood the test of time. Brazilian and U.S. companies are trading at record levels; investing in exciting partnerships not just within the borders of our two countries, but also in Europe, Asia, and Africa; and forging new paths by mutually investing in our two great nations.
Brazil is a strategic partner of the United States in the 21st century. Our commitment to Brazil extends to all sectors and involves both of our governments as well as the private sector, institutions, and citizens at all levels of our societies.
U.S. companies have demonstrated that they are committed to the Brazilian market by investing in the Brazilian workforce, co-developing innovative technologies, and engaging effectively with the Government of Brazil at the federal, state and municipal levels.
And Brazilian companies are arriving at U.S. shores in record numbers:
- Walking through Miami, one now has the option to dine at Giraffas!
- 3G Capital partnered with Berkshire Hathaway last year to buy Heinz, the food industry’s largest deal ever.
- Embraer manufactures jets in the U.S. and was selected by the U.S. Air Force to produce the A-29 Super Tucano for its Light Air Support Program.
- And the list goes on and on and on ….
Some of you may know that ApexBrasil and SelectUSA have signed a Memorandum of Intent to promote investments between our countries. I look forward to working with Mr. Borges and his team to continue finding ways to promote investment opportunities in our countries and helping Brazilian companies use the U.S. as a platform to expand globally and gain unprecedented access to global supply chains with highly developed infrastructure.
Today, we will hear the stories of how two Brazilian companies, from two very different industries, have found new customers, forged new partnerships within U.S. communities, and built new revenue streams.
I wish a great conference for each of you and very much look forward to hearing about the great partnerships and successes that will stem from this event.
Thank you!
