In light of the current turbulence, indeed tectonic shifts, in the global economy, companies should consider new markets, such as those in Latin America. Brazil, the continent's largest economy, presents an attractive option. "Thüringen International" supports all interested parties with a range of services to help them operate successfully in this market. On September 26th, a Brazil Business Day entitled "Vamos Brasil! – Working Breakfast and Consultation" will take place, offering a wealth of information and networking opportunities. 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 future activities will be supported by our new foreign representative office in Brazil – the personal contact person from May 1st will be Dietmar Sukop, Managing Director of the Chamber of Commerce (AHK) in Porto Alegre. He offers Thuringian companies a wide range of services for their business in Brazil. In this interview, he talks about his deep roots in his adopted home of Brazil, his services for Thuringian companies, and the opportunities in the Brazilian market.
Mr. Sukop, first of all, we would like to warmly welcome you as a new member of the "Thuringia International" team. Could you please briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
With pleasure, I am 55 years old, a business economist, a native of Lower Saxony, and have been living and working in Brazil for 27 years. For the past 23 years, I have worked at the Chamber of Commerce, initially as a project coordinator and since 2018 as managing director. I therefore have decades of experience in Brazilian-German economic relations and am very much looking forward to actively supporting Thuringian companies in establishing and expanding their businesses and collaborations in my adopted home.
What specific support do you offer companies from the Free State?
I have access to a network that spans all of Brazil, even though the German-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (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 concise reports, and present individual sectors. I also offer targeted business partner matching and support for trade fair participation here in Germany – it's a comprehensive service designed to facilitate market entry and the expansion of business and cooperation.
Why is Brazil an attractive country where Thuringian companies can successfully operate?
There are many noteworthy aspects. Brazil is a huge market with 220 million inhabitants, representing a young, dynamic population – with a large middle class and corresponding consumer potential. The entire South American market can be served from Brazil. 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; for example, the food sector requires modern facilities. Companies from Brazil can also successfully establish themselves in the areas of renewable energies, green hydrogen, and water supply. Furthermore, the conditions for German companies are particularly favorable in our German-Brazil Chamber of Commerce (AHK) region of southern Brazil: Many German entrepreneurs and craftsmen immigrated here from the beginning of the 19th century, and they have shaped the region to this day. This means that one still encounters something akin to German business culture here; German is spoken in many places, and German (company) names are prevalent in this part of the country.
And then there's the hope for further positive developments…
Correct, the Mercosur-EU agreement is of course the most important factor here. While it has been under negotiation for some time, it is now receiving a significant boost, not least due to developments in the USA. The motivation between Europe and South America to liberalize trade is increasing in light of massive protectionist processes in other areas. Furthermore, negotiations on a German-Brazilian double taxation agreement have resumed – a conclusion has become more likely, and it would make doing business in Brazil considerably more cost-effective. In addition, 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 Contact !
Mr. Sukop, thank you very much for the interview!
