Londonderry firms involved in trade mission to South America

The companies, Stranagone Farm and Foyle Language School, are headquartered in Sao Paulo until Saturday. The Mission is a seven-day opportunity to network.

Leading the mission is Tracy Meharg, Invest NI's Managing Director of Innovation and Capability Development, who will be briefing business organisations, including the Sao Paulo Chamber of Commerce and the British Business Group, in Brazil about trade, technology transfer and investment opportunities in Northern Ireland.

"While most of the companies on this mission are new to Brazil, Northern Ireland has significant business links with this huge market, the world's eighth largest country," he said adding: "Over the years, several local companies have established business there."

"We've organised this mission to appeal in particular to small to medium sized enterprises which have a strong export focus and are keen to explore the substantial opportunities that are to be found in what is a very sophisticated and dynamic market. It's an integral part of Invest NI's strategic focus on providing opportunities for local SMEs in particular, to explore developing global markets.

"Named as one of the UK's high growth markets, Brazil has a population of 185 million and a GDP per head greater than either India or China. It is also the first Latin American nation to emerge from the current recession and is projecting an impressive five per cent GDP growth this year. This growth and investment, therefore, provides substantial opportunities for our companies across a very broad range of sectors.

"It has well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, aerospace, life sciences and service sectors and is committed to significant investment to upgrade its infrastructure. Many of the world's biggest companies are located there. Brazil, furthermore, is among the most popular tourism locations. Overall, the opportunities for companies prepared to invest the time and other resources in Brazil are immense."

The mission will be centred on Sao Paulo, the largest city in Latin America and the fourth largest city in the world, with 10.5 million people. Mission companies have been assisted by Invest NI to arrange meetings with Brazilian businesses in Sao Paulo and other business centres including Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro.