December 9, 2022 (Edmonton Metropolitan Region)— Today in a joint announcement, the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC), alongside Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) announced that it will be establishing a Western Canada Brazil Hub at (CUE). The hub will provide a place for Brazilian companies and entrepreneurs to connect with potential business partners and infrastructure as well as research and development to integrate more efficiently into Alberta’s innovation ecosystem.
This announcement marks the Edmonton Metropolitan Region as the home of the first Brazil Hub in Western Canada. The partnership between the two organizations will build, strengthen, and enhance economic exchange between Brazil and Alberta. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the Robert Tegler Centre at Concordia’s campus this afternoon, to both announce and celebrate the new partnership.
Mitsidi, a Certified B Corp company out of Brazil, will be the first in the newly established Western Canadian Brazil Hub. The company’s main focus is on clean energy and energy transition, a great fit to the region’s growing clean energy industry.
The new Brazil Hub will be located within the Allan Wachowich Centre at Concordia’s Innovation Hub (CIH). At the centre, Brazilian entrepreneurs looking to enter the Canadian market will receive support needed to create industry and government partnerships in order to establish permanent business locations in Alberta. The hub will also give rise to learning opportunities for students and research opportunities for faculty at Concordia.
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“This is a fantastic opportunity for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region to attract international investment to the region. By Brazil establishing a physical presence in the region, it will spur innovation and introduce substantial new economic opportunities while lowering barriers for other Brazilian companies looking to enter Canadian markets. Our region has a supportive ecosystem with strong connections to global markets. This new partnership plays a key role in strengthening our economic ties with Brazil. We are excited for this new endeavour and the positive impacts the Brazil Hub will have on the region.” Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global
“The Brazil Hub is a strategic initiative to support the internationalization of Brazilian companies. Combining our know-how with Alberta’s strengths in artificial intelligence, agriculture, energy, cybersecurity, and other emerging industrial sectors will result in the development of successful partnerships for both countries.” Patricia Garcia da Rosa, Western Canada Director, The Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada
“We are very proud of this partnership and CUE’s solid web of university partners in Brazil and this too will benefit the joint initiative. The innovators will be able to connect with the Canadian community culturally through the events that happen in a unique post-secondary environment. We are excited to see the many valuable possibilities for students and faculty to work and learn within the hub.” Dr. Manfred Zeuch, Vice-President, External and International Relations, Concordia University of Edmonton
“All these initiatives that contribute to give visibility in Brazil to business opportunities and cooperation with partners in Canada’s Western region are welcome, always stimulated and supported by the Brazilian Consulate.” Ambassador Renato Mosca, Consul-General of Brazil in Vancouver
“Following on the heels of the MOU signed between Invest Alberta and the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada, the opening of a Brazil Hub at Concordia University of Edmonton is another important step in showing companies Alberta’s business-friendly environment, remarkable talent pool, and access to innovative technologies across sectors. We have no doubt that this collaborative effort will contribute to economic growth and job creation in our province.” Rick Christiaanse, CEO, Invest Alberta
Media Contact:
Sherri Bouslama
Manager, Brand Strategy & Communications
Edmonton Global
E: sbouslama@edmontonglobal.ca
C: 780-996-1524
About Edmonton Global:
The purpose of Edmonton Global is to radically transform and grow the economy of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. We are a not-for-profit corporation founded by 14 municipalities that make up the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Our focus is attracting foreign investment, helping regional businesses export with the world, enhancing our region’s global competitiveness, and bringing our region together with a unified voice to attract the attention and interest of investors the world over. www.edmontonglobal.ca
About Concordia University:
Concordia University of Edmonton is Canada’s pre-eminent small university, offering over 50 majors and minors in the fields of arts, science, and management, as well as two after-degree programs, several master’s degrees, several graduate certificates and diplomas, and a doctorate in clinical psychology. In and out of our classrooms and lecture halls, we translate what we learn into extraordinary hands-on experiences. Our ultimate goal has not changed since 1921: to be more than students and professors, to create a community of active citizens, of good and honourable people. For more information, visit concordia.ab.ca.
About Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada:
The Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC) is an independent and non-profit organization founded in 1973. For nearly 50 years, it has been an important liaison, bringing together companies, public & private institutions, and individuals from various areas in both countries. With over 70 employees and nearly 200 members, CCBC’s extensive network of relationships and long-standing expertise are the basis of strong trade promotion work in the Brazilian and Canadian markets, including exports, imports and investments, as well as cultural and technological exchange. The organization has a busy agenda of events, trade missions, content publications and offers a rich ecosystem for Brazilian and Canadian companies to interact. Learn more at: ccbc.org.br.
