By Phil Ammann
Florida’s official private-public economic development agency announced on Tuesday that it will lead a delegation of regional companies for a logistics trade show in São Paulo.
Enterprise Florida (EFI) will travel to a pair of co-located trade shows for Movimat + Transport & Logistics, scheduled for September 16-18 in São Paulo, Brazil. The goal is to provide Florida small businesses with networking opportunities and face-to-face appointments with top global businesses.
Brazil, with the largest economy in Latin America and the seventh largest in the world, is also a leader in consumer purchasing power. It also enjoys one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with an average annual GDP growth rate of more than 5 percent, putting it on pace to become one of the five largest economies on the planet.
“Participating in this trip will provide companies with tremendous exposure,” said EFI Senior Vice President Manny Mencia, head of International Trade & Development. “As the gateway to Latin America, Florida’s logistics and distribution industry is poised to grow further with the Panama Canal expansion, and the numerous infrastructure developments and upgrades underway around the state.”
Movimat-Intralogistics Trade Show is the world’s foremost showcase of equipment and services for large manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and distributors. More than 200 brands — from packing, handling and forklifts to storage, elevation and automation – will be on display.
Attending the Brazil event are logistics industry leaders, there to evaluate the newest technologies, simulations and presentations for efficient movement of products and services. The show also provides a springboard for companies seeking improved control of operations and costs.
Among the target industries are rail, seaport and waterway transportation, roadway infrastructure, material handling, packaging and Information Technology systems.
Mencia points out that Florida is home to a number of regional and global headquarters, as well as an international banking center and a diplomatic hub with a Consular Corps representing nearly 80 nations. Florida’s location also makes it the perfect place to take advantage of easy access to global markets.
The Brazil tour is only one of many EFI-sponsored overseas trade missions and exhibitions worldwide. In the 2013-14 fiscal year, EFI hosted 17 key international trade shows and missions, with a total of 724 participants. In all, they generated more than $820 million in projected export sales.
Registration for Florida businesses wanting to join the Brazil trade show expedition is through August 22. For more information on Movimat + Transport & Logistics, contact Luis Perez-Codina at 305-808-3670 or lperez-codina@eflorida.com.