Given the current turbulence, indeed almost tectonic shifts in the world economy, it is worthwhile for companies to look at new markets, for example in Latin America. Here the continent's largest economy, Brazil, is an attractive option. “Thüringen International“ supports all interested parties with a range of offers to be successful in this market – on September 26 a Brazil country economic day will take place under the title “Vamos Brasil. – Working breakfast and consulting“ that provides plenty of information and the opportunity for exchange. An information event on the Mercosur‑EU agreement is planned for December, and a business trip to southern Brazil is scheduled for February 2026.
All activities will in future be supported by our new representative office in Brazil – from 1 May, the personal contact here will be Dietmar Sukop, Managing Director of the Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) in Porto Alegre. He offers Thuringian companies a wide range of services for their business in Brazil. In the interview, he talks about his roots in his adopted home of Brazil, his services for Thuringian companies and the opportunities on the Brazilian market.
Mr. Sukop. First of all, we would like to warmly welcome you as a new member of the team „Thüringen International“. Could you please briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
With pleasure, I am 55 years old, a business economist, born in Lower Saxony, and have been living and working in Brazil for 27 years now. I have been working at the foreign trade chamber for 23 years, first as a project coordinator, and since 2018 as managing director. I therefore have decades of experience in Brazilian-German economic relations and am very pleased to be able to actively support Thuringian companies in the future in establishing and expanding their business and cooperations in my adopted home.
What does your support for companies from the Free State look like in concrete terms?
I rely on a network that covers all of Brazil, even though the AHK in Porto Alegre is one of three Brazilian AHKs and is responsible for southern Brazil. However, we work closely with the other two AHKs. In the future, I will provide Thuringian companies with all relevant information on various markets in the country, prepare short reports, and introduce individual sectors. In addition, I offer targeted business partner matching or support trade fair participation here on site – it is a comprehensive service to enable market entry and the expansion of business and cooperation.
Why is Brazil an attractive country in which Thuringian companies can successfully engage?
There are many noteworthy aspects. Brazil is a huge market; the country has 220 million inhabitants, who represent a young, dynamic population – with a broad middle class and corresponding consumption potential. From Brazil, the entire South American market can be served. There is a great need for investment, and the country is making considerable efforts to modernize its industry in terms of digitalization and automation. The same applies to agriculture, and if we take the food sector, for example, modern facilities are needed there. Companies from the Free State can also successfully connect in the areas of renewable energies, green hydrogen, or water supply. In addition, the conditions for German companies are very favorable, especially in our AHK area in southern Brazil: Since the beginning of the 19th century, many German entrepreneurs and craftsmen have immigrated here, and they have shaped the region to this day. This means that one still encounters something like German business culture here today; German is spoken in many places, and German (company) names also characterize this part of the country.
There is also the hope for further positive developments..
Correct, the first thing to mention here is, of course, the Mercosur‑EU agreement, which has been under negotiation for a long time but is now receiving a significant boost, not least because of developments in the USA. The motivation between Europe and South America to liberalise trade with each other is increasing in view of massive protectionist processes in other areas. In addition, negotiations on a German‑Brazilian double taxation agreement have been resumed – a conclusion has become more likely, and it would make doing business in Brazil considerably cheaper. Furthermore, the Brazilian government is planning a tax reform with relief for companies – all positive developments that make the Brazilian market even more attractive for Thuringian companies . I invite all Thuringian entrepreneurs to focus on Brazil and look forward to numerous Contacte.
Mr. Sukop, we sincerely thank you for the conversation.
