The World Cup Project, organized by the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil), will bring 2,300 foreign buyers, investors and opinion formers to Brazil to take part in business meetings and watch the soccer games. During the FIFA World CupTM, held from June 12 to July 13, 2014, Apex-Brasil will develop action plans to promote trade and investments to stimulate Brazilian exports, attract investment and enhance the commercial image of Brazil in the international market.

 

Developed in partnership with 180 Brazilian companies and 54 sector-based organizations, the World Cup Project must overcome the business results achieved by Apex-Brasil during the FIFA Confederations Cup, which totaled US$ 3 billion including estimates of exports and investments attracted to the country. In this first phase of the project, which took place from June 15 to 30, 2013, Apex-Brasil received 903 foreign businessmen from the following areas: Technology and Health; Home and Construction; Food, Beverage and Agribusiness; Fashion; Machinery and Equipment; Creative Economy and Services, from more than 70 countries.

 

The business programs will be organized by the companies and sector-based organizations on the days before and after the games, and include meetings with buyers, lectures and seminars, visits to factories, farms, laboratories and production facilities. In 12 games - played in São Paulo, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro - Apex-Brasil will also offer a hospitality area outside the stadiums, prepared to stimulate negotiations and allow time for interaction between Brazilian and foreign businessmen, unlike what happens in conventional meetings. "This initiative builds confidence, loyalty and partnership, essential features to do business, which is the main objective of the project", said the president of Apex-Brasil, Mauricio Borges.

 

The World Cup Project is part of the initiatives held by the Relationship Marketing of Apex-Brasil, which include similar activities during carnival and at international events such as Formula Indy, Grand Prix, Professional Golfers’ Association of America Tour (PGA) and Professional Bull Riders (PBR).