~ Emerging markets in Brazil and Chile hold promise for Minnesota companies ~

Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty will lead a trade mission to Brazil and Chile in December to help Minnesota-based companies increase exports to South America, build strategic relationships and explore new business opportunities.

The mission, which is scheduled for December 5-12, 2009, will include visits to Sao Paulo, Brazil and Santiago, Chile, for market and industry presentations, roundtable discussions with business leaders and government officials, networking receptions, and site visits. The delegation is expected to include approximately 30 business leaders.

“South America’s emerging markets are ripe for Minnesota businesses looking to expand their exports,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Our trade mission will help Minnesotans make connections and build relationships with new trading partners in Brazil and Chile.

Latin America has been relatively untapped by Minnesota and U.S. exporters. Minnesota’s manufactured exports to South American countries in 2008 was $688 million. Brazil and Chile ranked 15th and 30th, respectfully, in Minnesota exports with a combined $378 million.

Significant improvements in commercial infrastructure in these developing countries now translate into robust economic opportunities. The Governor’s trade mission will highlight two of the 12 independent countries and emerging markets in South America.

“With a combined population exceeding that of the United States, the twelve countries of South America offer significant economic opportunities for Minnesota exporters,” said Tony Lorusso, executive director of the Minnesota Trade Office. “This trade mission will support Minnesota companies currently doing business in South America and help develop strategic relationships with key organizations that support U.S.-South America trade.”

There are significant opportunities in a wide variety of industry sectors in Brazil and Chile that will interest business leaders from a cross-section of industries. In Brazil, markets are expanding for medical equipment, agricultural machinery, airports and aircraft-related parts, energy and environmental technologies. In Chile, opportunities exist in computer hardware and software, food processing and packaging equipment, construction materials, and mining equipment.

People interested in joining the trade delegation should contact Rachel Limon at the Minnesota Trade Office at 651-259-7492 or Rachel.Limon@state.mn.us by the deadline of Wednesday, September 25, for cost and other information.

Governor Pawlenty has led previous trade missions to Canada, China, the Czech Republic, India, Israel and Poland. Delegation members pay their own expenses. Expenses incurred by the Governor’s office for this trade mission will be paid from participant funds collected during previous trade missions, not taxpayer funds.