Brazil Ireland Chamber of Commerce Launches

Ambassador and Government herald launch of Brazil Ireland Chamber of Commerce

Brazilian Ambassador to Ireland H.E. Marcel Fortuna Biato, led the proceedings at the official launch of the Brazil Ireland Chamber of Commerce on the 30th March. The event was attended by over 300 invited guests with many high profile political and business leaders present including the Irish Ambassador to Brazil, H.E. Sean Hoy.

Ambassador Biato heralded a new era in the promotion of the cross border trade and investment between Ireland and Brazil by the launch of the Chamber. Noting the 2021 figures of €260m of exports from Brazil and Ireland and €530m Irish exports to Brazil, the Ambassador explained that the establishment of the Chamber now paves the way for the significant growth in cross border trade and investment between the two countries. Currently it is estimated there are more than 70,000 Brazilian nationals living in Ireland.

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Dara Calleary also spoke at the launch. He expressed the Government's strong support for the increase in the trading position between both countries and that Ireland greatly values its connection with Brazil. Noting the strength of the community of Brazilian nationals in Ireland, the Minister applauded the examples of entrepreneurship and endeavour that were to be celebrated at the evening's event.

The first President of the Chamber, Fernanda Hermanson, CEO of the business consultancy Unleashe shared the findings of her report on the Brazilian Community in Ireland with the auditorium at Dublin's illustrious City Hall. According to the report there are currently more than 1,330 Brazilian owned businesses in Ireland generating an estimated revenue of €99m every year with the possibility of an increase in that trading balance to €199m by 2025. There are 2,200 people employed by Brazilian owned businesses with a possible growth in that figure to 6,500. The launch of the Chamber creates a framework to harness the drive and enthusiasm of the Brazilian business community in Ireland and to focus its potential with training, information and support.

The Vice President of the Chamber, Mr. Tiago Mascarenhas presented a number of awards on the evening to those who had shown considerable support to the Brazilian community over the recent years including Mr. David Russell of the Progressive College Network, a network of some of the leading English language schools in Ireland with strong connections to the Brazilian market, Mr. Eduardo Gonzaga of Leevin Ireland, a premier accommodation service provider particularly to the body of Brazilian students in Ireland and Brazilian Ju Jitsu World Champion Mr Jorge Santos of the hugely popular JSBJJ Training centre in Dublin. An individual award of gratitude was shared with Martin Moloney of MP Moloney Solicitors for his work in supporting the establishment of the Chamber.

The Chamber has immediately commenced its work of preparing a series of upcoming training seminars for business people which are expected to launch in the coming months.