San Diego businesses will have the opportunity to network and negotiate with leading representatives from Brazil’s top industries Oct. 2-9 through Southwestern College and the Center for International Trade Development’s trade mission To Brazil. The program flies representatives from San Diego-based companies to São Paulo and Santa Catarina, two important economic centers of the South American nation, with the intent of exploring their prospects in international trade.

Brazil is the 11th largest economy in the world and has a population of 175 million. It constitutes nearly half of South America’s size, population and economy, yet Gustavo Guerrero, international trade specialist at Southwestern College and one of the mission’s organizers, says it often is neglected by American business. “People look to Mexico or Asia first,” he says. “This program will open up the markets of Brazil.”

The two states present encouraging prospects for international commerce. Santa Catarina is a center of the telecom, software development and service industries, while São Paulo, both a city and state, boasts a metropolis of 17 million.

During the trip, San Diego businesses can meet with Brazilian distributors and negotiate the sale of their goods and services. Guerrero says this is a lucrative opportunity, as Brazil is one of the few nations where the United States has a trade surplus.

The Brazil International Education Enhancement Program of Southwestern College is accepting applications from qualified businesses until July 30. The trip costs $2,900 and includes counseling by Small Business Development & International Trade Center advisers, round-trip airfare from San Diego to Brazil with in-country airfare between São Paulo and Santa Catarina, and in-country business briefings and networking receptions. Interested parties should contact the program at (619) 482-6391.

— Aaron Biberstein