On Monday February 13, 2012 in San Jose, the U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Service, City of San Jose, San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, Consulate General of Brazil in San Francisco, BayBrazil and the US-Brazil Business Council presented “Export Opportunities in Brazil for California Green Companies.” Brazil’s government policies for sustainable energy independence contribute dramatically to its growing economy. This event demonstrated the many resources available for California companies to do business in Brazil.

Joanne Vliet, Director, Silicon Valley Export Assistance Center, U.S. Department of Commerce, Dick Castner of US Chamber of Commerce and Joe Hedges of the City of San Jose welcomed the attendees.

Matthew Mahood, President & CEO, San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce talked about the opportunities for Silicon Valley green technology companies. The Honorable Eduardo Prisco Ramos, Consul General of Brazil in San Francisco gave an overview of Brazil compared to the United States and the consulate’s role in encouraging trade.

Dr. Michael Conniff of the Global Studies Program at the Silicon Valley Center for Global Innovation and Immigration at San Jose State University, moderated the first panel. Natalie Kehle, Analyst  at the International Infrastructure Department, Federation of Industries of the State of Sao Paulo (FIESP) had excellent pointers about doing business in Brazil. Shannon Fraser, a Clean Tech Trade Specialist at the Silicon Valley Export Assistance Center for the U.S. Department of Commerce spoke about the resources available to help business get started. Kathleen McInerney,  Director of the Brazil-U.S. Business Council talked about how her organization increases communication and cooperation between the two countries.

Margarise Correa, Founder of BayBrazil moderated the second panel. Calvin Lam, Commercial Banking Officer at GBC International Bank spoke on the local resources and success stories of Silicon Valley companies in Brazil. Rob Guthrie, Business Initiatives Specialist of the Office of Renewable Energy & Environmental  Exports at the Export-Import Bank discussed the bank’s unique history and how it helps bridge the gaps for trade. Jeff Lund, Vice President of Business Development of Echelon explained how they do business with Brazil.

Carlos Eduardo de Senna Figueiredo, Economist, National Confederation of Industry for Brazil (CNI) gave the closing keynote on Brazil’s economic growth.

Copyright 2012 DJ Cline All rights reserved.