CCBC, BCCC and the Consulate General of Brazil in Vancouver sign agreement

By Debora Marques

Invest Alberta and Edmonton Global, with the support of CCBC and BCCC, hosted the Brazil-Alberta Opportunities Forum on August 2nd to strengthen collaboration and explore business and investment opportunities between Brazil and Alberta. The forum presented the opportunities that the province offers to Brazilian companies and reinforced Alberta’s commitment to nurturing a supportive and coordinated business ecosystem.

An important agreement to boost trade relations between Alberta and Brazil was signed at the forum. The Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC), headquartered in São Paulo and Montreal, with several chapters in Brazil and hubs in Québec and Alberta, the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce (BCCC), based in Toronto, with six branches spread across Canada (in the provinces of BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Toronto, Ottawa and Atlantic), along with Renato Mosca, Consul General of Brazil in Vancouver, formalized an agreement to jointly support economic development and prosperity between the two regions. By reinforcing their commitment to Western Canada, these organizations are paving the way for opportunities in new markets, enhancing cultural exchange and creating a platform for innovation and knowledge sharing.

“All the players involved today in this project to bring Alberta closer to Brazil share the same purpose: to promote and expand trade, cooperation and cultural relations. Brazil and Alberta share many similarities: we are both rich in natural resources, we have robust agricultural and technological sectors, we are abundant in oil and gas and we have strong renewable energy programs. These convergences provide an enabling environment. I am confident that the agreement we are signing today will promote our common goals and further intensify our ties,” stated the Consul General of Brazil in Vancouver.

Rick Christiaanse, CEO of Invest Alberta, pointed out that Alberta’s commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with the values of Brazilian companies seeking global expansion. “Partnerships that are strengthened through events like the Brazil-Alberta Opportunities Forum pave the way to promote Alberta’s thriving economy, strategic location and strong workforce as the ideal gateway to North American markets,” he assessed.

This agreement builds upon ongoing efforts to strengthen Alberta’s role as a vital player in the global business landscape. In September 2022, Invest Alberta signed an MOU with CCBC focused on attracting investments and enhancing economic activity and relations between the two regions. In May 2023, CCBC and Edmonton Global successfully concluded an MOU to further promote trade between the two regions.

“We at BCCC are always delighted to continue building the relationship between Canada and Brazil and now we are in a unique position to cooperate with many organizations to highlight Alberta’s specific advantages. We can showcase Alberta’s opportunities to attract businesses and show Alberta companies the real potential for exporting to the Brazilian market,” said Peter Hawkins, co-president of the BCCC.

Stéphane Larue, president of CCBC in Canada, stressed that the new agreement reinforces the commitment to strengthening relations between Brazil and the province of Alberta, exploring synergies and opportunities, not only for Brazilian companies coming here, but also for Alberta companies to expand and do business in Brazil. “We are excited to continue

our collaboration with Invest Alberta and Edmonton Global and increase the flow of business with them,” he stated.

In December 2022, CCBC launched the Western Canada Brazil Hub at Concordia University of Edmonton, a joint initiative to help Brazilian companies and innovators connect with service providers, infrastructure, potential business partners, research and development and thus quickly integrate into Alberta’s innovation ecosystem.  

“The Brazil-Alberta Opportunities Forum leverages the momentum of the Western Canada Brazil Hub, announced in December 2022, and signals a new era in our strong economic relationship. Alberta already exports approximately $116 million in goods to Brazil each year and we are excited about additional trade as we move forward together,” emphasized Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, Government of Alberta.

Lastly, Malcolm Bruce, CEO of Edmonton Global, reflected that Brazil Chambers’ commitment to Western Canada will play a key role in strengthening economic ties between the regions, reducing barriers for Brazilian companies seeking expansion into Canadian markets. “This partnership, along with the business-friendly environment of the Edmonton region, access to global markets and low cost, make Canada an attractive destination for investment and economic growth. We are genuinely excited about this new partnership and eagerly anticipate the positive impacts it will have on the region,” he concluded.