Eleven Brazilian companies that manufacture goods and technology for the furniture industry will be present at the 12th edition of M&M Technological and Industrial Fair, in Colombia, as part of Orchestra Brasil, a project that encourages exports – a partnership between the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasi) and the Furniture Industry Association of Bento Gonçalves (Sindmóveis). The fair will be held from March 12-15, in Bogota, bringing together 220 exhibitors in a 13,000 square meter area.
Participating companies include manufacturers of machinery, chemicals, supplies, hardware and tools for the wood industry, furniture, suppliers and distributors of the furniture industry. Some 14,000 visitors are expected to attend the largest local trade show of sector. Brazilian exhibiting companies include Akeo, Brasmacol, Farben, Franzoi, Jimo Química, Joelini, MP Maquinapack, Promob Softwares, Renner Sayerlack, Tecbril and Tramontina Teec.
A country of 47.7 million inhabitants, Colombia has the third largest economy in South America, with a GDP of US$ 522.8 billion (PPP), according to IMF estimates. With one of the highest economic growths in Latin America in recent years, the country has stability and is currently considered by the World Bank one of the best places to do business in South America. Its furniture industry has also expanded, with a production growth of 4.2% in 2013, according to Euromonitor data.
The Colombian market also achieved major growth for member companies of the Orchestra Brasil Project. Their imports have grown by 23% a year on average since 2010. In 2013, it increased 35.6%. Recently appointed in studies and by business owners as one of the most promising markets in the world, Colombia is currently one of the priority countries of the project.
The project
The renewal of the agreement for technical and financial cooperation was recently signed by the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) and the Furniture Industry Association of Bento Gonçalves (Sindmóveis) to continue the Orchestra Brasil Project in 2014/2015. The initiative was established in 2003 to promote the competitive inclusion of manufacturers of inputs, components, technologies, finishes, chemicals and design services for the furniture industry in the international market.
A total of 123 companies and design studios take part in the project. They have seen good results in their exports in recent years. Compared to 2012, exports increased by 11.2%, representing four consecutive years of growth. Priority markets were essential to this performance. The growth in these countries totaled 16.8% in 2013, higher than the average, just like in previous years. The main performances were seen in Chile (81.7%), Ecuador (48.1%), Colombia (35.9%), United States (25.3%), Peru (28.3%), Paraguay (12.1%) and Guatemala (25%).
They have obtained satisfactory growth in exports in recent years. Compared to 2012, exports increased 11.2%, completing four consecutive years of growth. Priority markets were essential to this performance. The growth in these countries was 16.8% in 2013, higher than the general, as occurred in previous years. The main increases were recorded in Chile (81.7%), Ecuador (48.1%), Colombia (35.9%), United States (25.3%), Peru (28.3%), Paraguay (12 1%) and Guatemala (25%).
The target markets for the industry over the next two years are South Africa, Argentina, Colombia, United States, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru and Turkey. The design center will focus on the United States.
