In pursuit of new business opportunities for the oil and gas market, the FIRJAN System promoted the Rio Pro Business OTC Houston, which presented information from the world's largest offshore technology fair, OTC Houston. The event takes place between May 1 and 4 in the United States, and it is strategic for the Fluminense industries to approach international investors.

"OTC Houston is a networking tradeshow and allows us to be in contact with important actors, whom we often do not have access to in Brazil. Therefore, if the intention is to do business, it is necessary that companies are prepared to participate, "explained Karine Fragoso, the Federation's Oil, Gas and Naval Manager.

Roberto Ardenghy, Brazil's consul general in Houston, said the event has a large technical congress on the oil market, focusing on technologies. "It's a time when decision-makers see what's new in the marketplace. This is a great opportunity to strengthen the Brazilian presence on the international oil scene, "he said.

He pointed out that Houston has a propitious environment for business attraction: "It is the third largest city in the United States, the decision center of many Asian and European multinationals operating in Brazil. Coming on a mission to the city provides a way to get to know these players and reach the global market. "

Claudio Tangari, vice president of the FIRJAN System, pointed out that the presence of the Fluminense industries in OTC Houston could attract the investments necessary for the resumption of the productive sector. "It is stimulating this articulation that is being made between FIRJAN and other entities so that we are at the fair. Faced with the crisis, the search for the foreign market is sharp. And our companies already have the basics of technology and the ability to export products, "concluded the businessman, who is president of the Union of Metallurgical, Mechanical and Electrical Material Industries of Nova Friburgo (Sindmetal).

Michele Candeloro, supervisor of machinery, equipment and agribusiness of the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (Apex-Brasil), presented the Brazilian program at the fair, which includes relationship meetings and talks with Brazilian authorities, such as the Minister of Mines And Energy, Fernando Coelho Filho.

She also explained the areas that will be created in the Brazilian pavilion of OTC Houston, organized by Apex-Brasil and the Brazilian Institute of Oil Gas and Biofuels (IBP). Apex-Brasil will sponsor about 70% of the costs for Brazilian companies that wish to have a booth at the fair, and the other 30% are in counterpart of companies.

"We understand the event as a forum for business and consolidation of the image of Brazil.. Therefore, we have as a criterion to select as exhibitors the Brazilian companies or installed in the country that have a high degree of export maturity, "he explained.

Maíra Campos, Sebrae's Oil and Gas Projects coordinator, approached the programming of the Brazilian mission that will lead companies interested in participating in the event. In addition to business meetings, there will be a schedule of activities parallel to the fair, with technical visits to Houston-based representative companies and events such as Brattec Offshore 2017.

Pro Business River

In order to promote business in a coordinated way, with internal and external partners, for the state of Rio, the FIRJAN System's Oil, Gas and Naval Management promotes Rio Pro Business events this year. In addition to the edition presented to OTC Houston, there will be another to present the Global Petroleum Show, which will take place from June 13 to 15 in Canada, and one focused on the connection between the oil and electric power markets. In the second half, events are also scheduled to strengthen the Brazilian presence at world fairs, with dates to be defined.