Aimed at boosting exports of manufacturers of supplies, components, technologies and design service for the furniture sector, the Orchestra Brasil Project has surpassed the goals planned for this year. The value exported by the member companies from January to September grew by 18.3% over the same period in 2012.

Chile, the United States and Peru, target-markets for 2012/2013, were the countries that most contributed to the result achieved. Paraguay, Colombia and Bolivia have also been collaborating positively to this growth. The result is even more significant when compared to the general 16% drop in exports for companies in the same segments.

           Cipatex, a manufacturer of chemicals and plastics for the furniture industry, is one of the member companies that exceeded the targets set for this year. Currently, the company sells more than 20% of its production to foreign markets and maintains its key customers in Latin America. The company’s export manager Débora Pescantini Pires says that they aim to further expand exports, establishing new partnerships in countries such as Angola, the United States, Mexico, Central America, Australia and countries in European. "We receive good support from the Orchestra Brasil project and we hope to take advantage of the opportunities provided in 2014," she says.

Jimo Química Industrial has also surpassed its goals this year. The company’s Export Manager Ricardo Teixeira foresees a growth of 35% in exports compared to 2012, taking into consideration that approximately 5% of its production is sent to the foreign market. The company joined the Orchestra Brasil Project this year, and it recognizes the relevance of the initiatives  developed including market studies and the participation in international fairs. "Actually our best results are in South America, but we intend to consolidate our business in other countries from Latin America to Africa," he says.

The promoters of the Orchestra Brasil Project, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) and the Furniture Industry Association of Bento Gonçalves (Sindmóveis), believe that the strengthening of the export culture encourages innovation and qualification, increasing the competitiveness of the domestic industry. Currently, the initiative has 122 member companies, comprising 86 manufacturing  companies and 36 designers. Its eleven target markets are the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, South Africa, Canada and Turkey.