Event in Canada highlighted challenges and opportunities for brazilian companies seeking to expand their operations, focused on technology, sustainable energy, and agribusiness sectors
By Pedro Augusto
In a move to strengthen ties between Brazilian companies and the promising Canadian market, Chamber of Commerce the Brazil-Canada (CCBC), alongside the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce (BCCC), hosted the “Brazil-Alberta Opportunities” event. Held in Calgary and Edmonton, the meeting brought together entrepreneurs and sector leaders to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and share practical solutions for those seeking to expand their operations to Canada.
During the discussions, participants mentioned significant challenges, such as the complexity of local regulations, the importance of building networks, often seen as crucial in the context of business diplomacy, and the necessary adjustments to compete in the dynamic Canadian market.
The event, however, also opened doors to various opportunities—especially in the technology, sustainable energy, and agribusiness sectors, where the potential for research and development (R&D) collaborations is high.
In Calgary, on September 23, the event was sponsored by companies like BClouder, Red Ribbon, and Edmonton Global, and supported by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, KPMG and the Consulate General of Brazil in Vancouver. In Edmonton, the following day, Edmonton Global was the Gold sponsor, with support from Brazil HUB, the University of Alberta, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, and the Consulate General of Brazil in Vancouver.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the CCBC and the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting strategic initiatives to support Brazilian companies in Canada, signaled a new chapter in building strategic partnerships that will help Brazilian businesses adapt and thrive in Canada. The MoU also reflects a shared understanding of the importance of cultivating lasting institutional partnerships, essential for the adaptation and growth of Brazilian entrepreneurs in the Canadian context.
Patricia Garcia da Rosa, CCBC’s commercial director, highlighted the crucial role of the organization in this process: “The CCBC acts as a bridge that facilitates strategic connections, promoting integration and knowledge exchange between the two countries. Our mission is to support Brazilian companies to thrive and establish themselves firmly in the Canadian market.”
Success Stories
The journeys of Brazilian companies that have already followed this path, such as Moby and Mitsidi, illustrate the positive results of this approach and served as inspiration for the participants. With the support of local accelerators, these companies have not only adapted to the Canadian market but have also expanded their operations, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by a consumer market open to innovation. Benefiting from mentorship and a strong network of strategic contacts that opened doors for them, both companies have optimistic plans to continue expanding their partnerships and presence in the country, especially in technology and specialized services.
Additionally, participants learned that involvement with the local community can be an important differentiator for long-term success. Support networks, such as those offered by the CCBC itself and other chambers of commerce, were cited as essential in helping companies overcome initial challenges and ease their transition into the Canadian market.
The Brazil-Alberta Opportunities event further solidified the prospects for Brazilian companies expanding into the Canadian market, reinforcing the CCBC and BCCC’s commitment to fostering actions that bring entrepreneurs from both countries closer together. This commitment has proven increasingly essential in integrating Brazilian companies into Canada’s innovation ecosystem, driving commercial expansion, and facilitating technology transfer and expertise exchange in key areas for the global economic future.
