When doing business internationally, knowing the right people can be critical. This article is part of a series introducing GlobalAtlanta readers to the state of Georgia’s economic representatives in 10 countries.  Click the links below to see short profiles and videos of those on the front lines of the state’s worldwide economic development.

Overview – Brazil – Canada – Chile – China – Germany – Israel – Japan – Korea – Mexico – United Kingdom

Fabio Yukio Yamada, head of Georgia’s office in Sao Paulo, Brazil, told GlobalAtlanta in a 2008 interview that his office would be busier than ever in 2009.

A favorable exchange rate with the Brazilian currency, the real, had been encouraging the export of Georgia industrial equipment to Brazil.  Biofuel produced from cellulosic ethanol, he said, offers the most exciting opportunities for Georgia-Brazil business. Georgia research teams visited Brazil in November 2007 to discuss partnerships for cellulosic ethanol production, which is made from wood waste. Based on such discussions, two Brazilian companies came to Georgia to learn about possibly expanding their operations in the state.

Mr. Yamada added that tourism from Brazil to Georgia is also increasing and that he is excited about the addition in 2008 of the  Brazilian Consulate General to Atlanta’s consular corps.

Some 300,000 passengers utilize two daily, nonstop flights from Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to Atlanta. He said that his team was currently working on eight projects with eight Brazilian companies interested in doing business with Georgia. A native of Brazil, Mr. Yamada has worked with the Georgia office since 2001.

Overview – Brazil – Canada – Chile – China – Germany – Israel – Japan – Korea – Mexico – United Kingdom

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