Alan Greenberger, Philadelphia Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Director of Commerce, Patricia Dickey, Brazil-Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, Founder & President, Ambassador Ana Cabral, Consul-General of Brazil in New York and Secretary C. Alan Walker, Department of Community and Economic Development at the grand opening of the Brazilian Chamber of Commerce-Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

The Brazil-Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce (BRAPACC) was opened recently in Philadelphia at a celebratory reception for its launch as a platform for the promotion of business relations, trade and culture between Brazil and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

As the first formal organization focused on Brazil-US relations in the region, BRAPACC will be a catalyst for the success of businesses, institutions and individuals through the advancement and promotion of trade, investments, business relationships, tourism and cultural exchanges.

Membership in the Chamber is open to corporate, non-profit/government organizations, small companies, individuals and students, who will be invited to participate in a series of networking events, industry specific forums and educational sessions throughout the year.

“Brazil is Pennsylvania’s 8th largest export market with a total of $1.4 billion in 2013, and every year our state welcomes tens of thousands of visitors from Brazil. These are just two examples that illustrate the important role Brazil plays in our state’s economy,” said BRAPACC’s President Patricia Dickey.

“It is a pleasure to welcome the Brazil-Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce to Philadelphia. I am confident that it will become a reference for developing prosperous collaborative relationships between Brazil and Pennsylvania,” said Consul General of Brazil in New York, Ambassador Ana Cabral.

The launch is a result and the ongoing momentum of the Team Pennsylvania Foundation-supported and Gov. Tom Corbett-led trade mission to South America last year.

“In 2013, Governor Tom Corbett led the JOBS1st mission to Brazil and Chile to build on and strengthen the existing bonds between Pennsylvania and Brazil and the inter-connectivity of our economic ties continues to grow,” said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker. “The addition of the Brazil – Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce in Philadelphia is a major step in advancing our shared goal of stronger economies and a bright future for the commonwealth and Brazil.”

For additional information, please call 215.282.6890.