Scotland opens base for Brazilian operations

Anne MacColl, Chief Executive, Scottish Development International said: “With Scotland’s strengths in areas such as technology development, innovation and R&D, there is undoubtedly great opportunities for Scottish companies to expand into the Brazilian market. By developing mutually beneficial relationships, we can explore new ways of working together, sharing knowledge and expertise in order to capitalise on global opportunities.

“Brazil is a very significant market and the opening of our office in Rio reinforces our commitment to strengthening business links between Scotland and Brazil. By increasing our presence, we can help both to pave the way for Scottish businesses to successfully trade in Brazil and encourage Brazilian companies to look to Scotland as the destination of choice for business investment.”

The opening of the Rio office comes as Scotland’s largest ever oil and gas trade mission travels to Brazil. The SDI delegation, one of three simultaneous missions being held this week, builds on the success of the organisation’s fact-finding mission to Brazil in November of last year. The attending companies, which specialise in areas of expertise such as training, subsea technology, drilling and health and safety, will meet with key industry players and attend the UK Brazil Oil and Gas Showcase during a four day programme.

As one of the world’s most rapidly developing economies, Brazil offers a host of opportunities across the electronics, automotive components, food and drink, chemicals and oil and gas sectors. As Scotland’s 13th largest export market, exports from Scotland to Brazil totalled £435 million in 2011, with the majority of this in the food and drink and energy services sectors.

Some 30-40 Scottish based companies are already operating in Brazil including Hydrasun, Wood Group and Caley Ocean Systems, with the mission aiming to further explore how trade relationships between the two countries can be strengthened.