Download 1. - GEOCITIES.ws

Brazil
BRAZIL - Country Overview
BRAZIL - Country Overview

Population 174.5 Million

South America bordering Atlantic Ocean

GDP US$1.13 Trillion

Culture influenced by Portugal


Language is Portuguese, suggest translator would be needed for more
than 50% of business communications

Mainly Catholic, but culturally diverse.
Business Culture has a slower pace, more personal contact, and
preference of continuous working relationships.
BRAZIL - Country Overview

Air Travel



Flights to: Rio, Sao Paulo, Recife and Manaus
Geographic Access

Visa is required, even when visiting.

Temporary Business visa (ex: negotiations)

May need to acquire work visa
Customs

Corrupt, Time consuming, average clearance = 150 hrs.
BRAZIL - Political overview



Canada's:

8th most important destination for foreign investment

Largest export market in South America
Government Representation

1 embassy/4 consulates

Consulate in Rio: oil and gas sector
Political unrest

Unfriendly relations – “mad cow”, Embraer/Bombardier

No potential for war.
Business Customs




Compared to the United States, the pace of
negotiation is slower and is based much
more on personal contact.
It is rare for important business deals to be
concluded by telephone or letter.
Many Brazilian executives do not react
favorably to quick and infrequent visits by
foreign sales representatives.
Brazilian buyer is concerned with after-sales
service provided by the exporter.
Business Customs




Be technically prepared when making a call
to a Brazilian customer.
Office hours in Brazil are generally 8:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m., decision makers begin work
later in the morning and stay later in the
evening.
Many Brazilians may speak English, they but
they may wish to conduct business in
Portuguese.
Correspondence and product literature
should be in Portuguese, and English is
preferred as a substitute over Spanish.