The current unstable and complex environment demands swift decision-making, flexibility, and new perspectives in the search for solutions. Such approaches are only possible through an organized, transparent structure grounded in best market practices. Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC) enters 2025 with this solid foundation, enabling a series of successful projects in economic and social fields.
Operating nationwide, supported by its seven Chapters located in São Paulo’s countryside, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, the Federal District, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Ceará, CCBC brings opportunities to various regions of Brazil. These Chapters host networking events tailored to local interests and showcase Canada’s full potential. On the other side, CCBC offices in Edmonton (Alberta) and the Chambre in Montreal (Québec) promote opportunities with Brazil to Canadian audiences.
In 2024 alone, 11 events were organized in partnership with Chapter coordinators, alongside hundreds of business meetings and investment promotion encounters. Additionally, partnerships expanded the range of relationships and exchange of experiences between Brazil and Canada. For instance, CCBC signed cooperation agreements with the University of Alberta and the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce through its Edmonton office and the Chambre.
The bilateral economic development network also includes services provided by the Hubs, CCBC’s structures in Brazil and Canada that support businesses from both countries throughout the initial phases of their internationalization projects. Since their creation, 13 companies have utilized the Hubs.
Sector-specific efforts have been led by CCBC’s nine commissions, which focus on economics, law, investments and infrastructure, mining, technology and innovation, education, health innovation, compliance and ESG, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion. In 2024, these working groups held over 40 meetings, attracting market leaders and more than 600 executives to the discussions.
One of the standout events, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Forum, held its third edition in 2024. With the participation of Canadian and Brazilian leaders and public figures, the event has become a cornerstone of CCBC’s annual calendar.
In addition to the Forum, CCBC fulfills its responsibility as a platform for high-level discussions by organizing three other major annual events: the Brazil-Canada Economic Forum, Canada Day, and the Brazil-Canada Summit. Last year, these three events brought together over 770 attendees, including government representatives from both countries, executives, academics, specialists, and independent professionals, who joined in-person and virtually.
The economic development chain also benefited from CCBC’s regular happy hours and trade missions. Nearly 30 Brazilian companies participated in missions to Canada, conducting approximately 200 meetings with partners, including exporters, importers, service providers, and consumer market agents.
Alongside these external initiatives, CCBC has worked extensively on its internal framework, modernizing its foundational documents. Recent years have seen updates to the Chamber’s and its Arbitration and Mediation Center’s (CAM-CCBC) bylaws and regulations, as well as the Chambre’s regulations in Canada. Compliance and governance efforts continue to evolve daily, aligned with the latest corporate practices.
Building on over 50 years of activity, CCBC maintains the strength and pioneering spirit that defined its founding, complemented by a management model designed to meet future demands. The institution is a benchmark among international chambers of commerce and in the administration of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods.
The CAM-CCBC, a symbol of CCBC’s innovative DNA, under the leadership of Presidents Rodrigo Garcia da Fonseca, Silvia Rodrigues Pachikoski, and Ricardo de Carvalho Aprigliano, continues to lead among Latin American arbitration centers. It has solidified its position as a key market player, contributing significantly to global forums and hosting discussions in Brazil, such as the 2024 Latin American Arbitration Conference (CLA) and the CAM-CCBC Arbitration Congress.
These accomplishments result from collective growth efforts that encompass building effective alliances, advancing governance, producing relevant content, and fostering consistent networking. Over the past four years, during my leadership at the Chamber, I’ve had the privilege of working with exceptional professionals and leaders who made these achievements possible.
I extend my gratitude to the CAM-CCBC Presidents, the Chambre President Stéphane Larue, members of the Advisory and Executive Boards, directors, and other leaders who embraced the challenge of dedicating their time to CCBC and building this legacy alongside me. My thanks also go to all the Chamber’s staff, whose energy and dynamism contribute daily to these results.
Lastly, I am deeply grateful to our partners from the diplomatic corps of both countries, the private sector, and, most importantly, our members, the very reason for our institution’s existence. Special recognition goes to our sustaining members: Brookfield, represented by Vice President of Corporate Communications Leonardo Maia, and Lundin Mining, represented by Legal Director Luciano Santos.
We approach the final stretch of this term with pride and the certainty of a job well done!
Warm regards,
Ronaldo Ramos
CEO and President of the Executive Board of CCBC
