The Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados), through its program to support exports in the sector maintained in partnership with the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (ApexBrasil), Braziilian Footwear, is organizing a Trade Mission to Colombia. The event, which takes place between June 25 and 27, includes a preparatory seminar on the local market, a showroom in Bogota and a Photocall with the Colombian press.

Carla Giordani, from the Abicalçados business area, responsible for the action, points out that there are 34 Brazilian brands confirmed, the largest delegation since the creation of the Mission, in 2018. “There is a growing interest in the Colombian market, which in addition to having a favored logistics, being geographically close for export, has cultural similarities with Brazil”, she evaluates. According to her, Colombia is one of the main markets in South America for Brazilian footwear. “It is our sixth largest global destination, which between January and April imported more than 3.5 million pairs, 4.3% more than in the same period last year”, says Carla.

One of the attractions of the initiative is matchmaking, a service that matches the demand of invited buyers with the offers of participating brands, facilitating and optimizing negotiations. "Each exhibitor participates in five to 10 meetings during the Mission. These meetings are scheduled in a very assertive way and focused on business” " explains Carla, adding that in this edition, in addition to buyers from the Colombian capital, players from other regions of the country will be invited. During the initiative, Brazilian companies will also participate in the Photocall, on the 25th, an image and relationship event with the local press, enhancing the dissemination of Brazilian footwear in Colombia.

Preparatory seminar
Part of the initiative, the preparatory seminar, aimed at exhibiting companies, will be held online on June 11, from 10 am to 12:30 pm. At the opportunity, information will be passed on about the initiative and regarding the Colombian market, in order to enhance national participation.

Participating in the commercial mission are the brands 365 Soft, Actvitta, Adrun, Arezzo, Beira Rio, BR Sport, By Cool, Coca-cola, Diversão, Giulia Domna, Gricci, Itweens, Jotape, Kids & Baby, Luiza Barcelos, Modare Ultraconforto, Moleca, Molekinha, Molekinho, Nesk, Novopé, Pampili, Pé com Pé, Petite Jolie, PG4 Galleria, Polo Go, Scatamacchia, Schutz, Smidt Shoes, Solis Brasil, Tropical Brasil, Vitzi, Vizzano and Wiki.

About Brazilian Footwear:
Brazilian Footwear is an export incentive program developed by Abicalçados in partnership with ApexBrasil. This program aims to increase the presence of the Brazilian industry and its brands in the international market through development actions, commercial promotion and image. Currently, more than 300 companies are served by the program, which last year generated US$ 147.5 million for Brazilian companies supported by Brazilian Footwear. Learn more: brazilianfootwear.com.br | abicalcados.com.br/brazilian-footwear. 

About ApexBrasil: 
Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) is the Brazilian government’s trade and investment promotion agency. Regarding the investment activity, we support international investors as they analyze the opportunities to establish a plant in Brazil, start a partnership with a Brazilian company, or commit capital in Brazil through funds and companies. Our goal is to satisfy investors needs and generate results as we attract technology, innovation, new companies and generate jobs in Brazil. Learn more: https://apexbrasil.com.br/br/en.html#home.