Export Development Canada (EDC) is adding a second permanent representative in Brazil, this time in Rio de Janeiro, to meet the growing needs of Canadian exporters and investors as EDC business volume in Brazil continues to increase.

“Brazil offers tremendous trade and business potential for Canadian exporters and investors,” says EDC executive vice-president Eric Siegel. “This commitment we are making will help to foster even more trade by structuring and delivering the financing and insurance that companies need to identify opportunities and close deals.”

EDC’s new representative in Rio de Janeiro is Fernanda de A Custodio. She joins Claudio Escobar, EDC’s regional director for Brazil & Southern Cone, who has been based in Sao Paulo since April 2000.

EDC trade finance and risk management services, including buyer financing, accounts receivable insurance, political risk insurance and guarantees as well as project financing, benefit both Canadian companies and their Brazilian buyers or partners.

Brazilian buyers, as well as Canadian companies selling to or investing in Brazil, can benefit from Custodio’s extensive business and trade knowledge. Prior to joining EDC, she was a trade advisor with the UK consulate in Rio de Janeiro, where she worked with companies in various industry sectors, including base and semi-manufacturing, chemicals, bio-technology, consumer goods, health and pharmaceutical. She was also a financial analyst for CAEMI, the second largest mining group in Brazil.