Brazilian States Piauí and Minas Gerais Expand International Trade and Investment in Strategic Global Markets
Piauí and Minas Gerais advance international trade ties with Portugal and Canada through cultural fairs and innovation-focused business missions.
- • Piauí promoted its cultural and productive potential at Brazil Origem Week in Portugal, featuring local products and a bilingual investment magazine.
- • Minas Gerais launched Canada Mission 2026 in Toronto focusing on innovation, mining partnerships, and clean energy investments.
- • Officials from both missions highlighted strategic market diversification and strengthening economic ties in Europe and North America.
- • Sponsorship and support from major companies like Usiminas and Anglo American underline investment attraction efforts.
Key details
Brazilian states Piauí and Minas Gerais are actively expanding their international business relations and trade opportunities in 2026 through targeted initiatives in key global markets. Piauí participated in the Brazil Origem Week in Porto, Portugal, held from May 1 to 3, showcasing its rich cultural identity and diverse productive portfolio. Local products such as cashew nuts from Eurocaju and Bemleve, beverages like cachaça Lira and cajuína Banzeirinho, cosmetics from Ornate, and artisanal crafts were featured prominently. An institutional bilingual magazine highlighting the state's investment potential was also launched, underscoring Piauí's strategy to attract investors and strengthen its presence in the European market. Daniel Martins, commercial director for European Markets at Investe Piauí, emphasized Portugal's role as a gateway to the European Union and the fair's importance for validating and promoting Piauí's products internationally.
Meanwhile, Minas Gerais began its Canada Mission 2026 on May 4 in Toronto, organized by the Federation of Industries of the State of Minas Gerais (FIEMG). The mission centers on expanding business ties with Canada, focusing on innovation and investment in sectors such as mining and clean energy. At the Brazil Canada Business Forum, Guilherme Abrantes from FIEMG highlighted the strategic partnership potential in niobium mining and associated high-value sectors like battery and electric mobility technologies. Daniel Guimarães Medrado noted Minas Gerais’ significant role in the global energy agenda, especially in rare earth and lithium reserves essential for clean energy technologies. Toronto city representative Clare Barnett and Invest Ontario CEO Khawar Nasim pointed to the untapped economic relationship and the benefits of diversifying markets. The Brazilian Ambassador to Canada, Carlos Alberto Franco França, reinforced the mission's role in boosting Brazil-Canada commercial relations. The mission includes technical visits and business meetings in Toronto and Montreal, supported by sponsors Usiminas and Anglo American.
These efforts by Piauí and Minas Gerais reflect Brazil's broader push to enhance economic internationalization, leveraging cultural promotion, innovation, and strategic resource advantages to attract investment and grow trade partnerships in Europe and North America.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
