1. Brazil

2. BRAZIL - Country Overview

3. Population 174.5 Million South America bordering Atlantic Ocean GDP US$1.13 Trillion Culture influenced by Portugal Language is Portuguese, suggest translator would be needed for more than 50% of business communications Mainly Catholic, but culturally diverse. Business Culture has a slower pace, more personal contact, and preference of continuous working relationships.

4. BRAZIL - Country Overview Air Travel Flights to: Rio, Sao Paulo, Recife and Manaus Geographic Access Visa is required, even when visiting. Temporary Business visa (ex: negotiations) May need to acquire work visa Customs Corrupt, Time consuming, average clearance = 150 hrs.

5. BRAZIL - Political overview Canada's: 8 th most important destination for foreign investment Largest export market in South America Government Representation 1 embassy/4 consulates Consulate in Rio: oil and gas sector Political unrest Unfriendly relations – “mad cow”, Embraer/Bombardier No potential for war.

6. Business Customs Compared to the United States, the pace of negotiation is slower and is based much more on personal contact. It is rare for important business deals to be concluded by telephone or letter. Many Brazilian executives do not react favorably to quick and infrequent visits by foreign sales representatives. Brazilian buyer is concerned with after-sales service provided by the exporter.

7. Business Customs Be technically prepared when making a call to a Brazilian customer. Office hours in Brazil are generally 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., decision makers begin work later in the morning and stay later in the evening. Many Brazilians may speak English, they but they may wish to conduct business in Portuguese. Correspondence and product literature should be in Portuguese, and English is preferred as a substitute over Spanish.