(May 18) “Brazil today plays an important role in the global economy, strengthened by a growth despite the global economic downturn. It is a country that has a great relevance for Emilia-Romagna region and we would look at its market in the context of our internationalization,” so speaks Gian Carlo Muzzarelli, Councillor of Productive Activities of Emilia Romagna . From May 21 to 25, the production system of Emilia Romagna and its institutions will participate in the promotional event of Made in Italy called ‘Momento Italia-Brasile 2011-2012’. The mission, coordinated by the Italian government, will be attended by the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with ICE, the Italian Embassy in Brazil, 16 Italian regions and the Chambers of Commerce system. During the mission, to enhance their productive sectors of excellence, 30 companies from the Italian region will be engaged in promotional activities. Together with Regione Emilia-Romagna, the mission will be participated by representatives from Alma Graduate School of the University of Bologna, University of Parma, the CSO-Fruit Services Centre of Ferrara, Confindustria Emilia-Romagna , Confartigianato Modena, the CAAB Bologna and the City of Ravenna. Strong the presence of Emilia-Romagna in Brazil, with 54 companies present with offices, factories and distributors. The initiatives in Brazil will be organized following the successful model Shanghai Expo 2010. “We believe,” official says, “that internationalization and the entrance in the Brazilian market are fundamental to strengthen the competitiveness of the whole regional production system.” In 2011, the Emilia Romagna imports from Brazil has reached a value of 230 million euros (-20% compared to 2010), while exports reached 677 million euros (+ 12% on 2010) equal to 1.5% of total Emilia-Romagna exports of Emilia-Romagna (which was 48 billion euros). (Red)
