Brasília, May 28, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - A partnership between the São Paulo state government, the state Federation of Industries (Fiesp), and the Bank of Brazil (BB) is making preparations to take a mission of São Paulo entrepreneurs to Japan from June 7 to 11, according to information released yesterday (27) by the BB press office.

The mission will comprise 150 representatives of micro and small firms who participated in the seminar "Business Opportunities Brazil-Japan," held at Fiesp headquarters on May 17. They will travel to Tokyo to stimulate meetings and rounds of business with Japanese importers, wholesalers, and retailers.

In its pursuit of activities to insert small businessmen on the international market, the BB, in conjunction with the Fiesp and with support from the state government, gave priority to firms from the software, food, organic products, decorative items, clothing, shoes, and jewelry sectors, in an effort to increase exports and attract Japonese investments.

Reporter: Stenio Ribeiro
Translator: David Silberstein