Originally Posted by
STelite
i work for an export company based in China and I am heading to South America on a business trip to visit our regular clients in markets we are currently working with. Brazil is a new market for us and although I've been hearing the economy isn't great my company is considering sending me there (since i will already be in the area) just so that I can evaluate the market for myself. I am thinking of heading there after i wrap up in Santiago but I have no idea where i should start. Basically my company is big so we export a vast number of items out of china ranging from basic home appliances to consumer electronics to furniture to garments.
I would like to visit Manaus since it is a freezone but I don't know how it is organized.
Can you recommend what areas I should be visiting in order to meet potential clients?
Any hotel recommendations?
I appreciate any help you can provide
ST,
Years ago was in your position (or almost similar). Here's some thoughts off the top of my head.
- Brazil is a big big country. Manaus is very different from SP for example. Try to focus on a specific area first if possible.
- Not sure if you hold CAN or YYZ passport. Make sure you get visa situation sorted out first. I don't think they give out multiple entries on CN passport but my info could be outdated.
- Local connections are key. Use them and have them make other intros.
- Plan on double the amount of time you usually allocate for meetings and intro. Time can be pretty fluid there.
- There are significant import taxes into Brazil. For some chinese companies, after a successful market intro, the next step would be some degree of localization of their product with final assembly or something else happening on the ground. You might as well start looking into this. For example, if tech comsumer electronics, you can start looking into tax preferential rates if you get PPB and MCT.
And finally, have a good trip. Enjoy some Xingu beer.
Cheers,
SF