“Brazil has grown to be one of Jacksonville’s top trading partners. We must continue developing these relationships to help put Jacksonville back to work,” said Mayor Brown. “JAXPORT is a conduit for economic development that enables our city to compete in the global economy for good-paying jobs.”

Departing Sunday, the delegation will participate in one-on-one meetings with Brazilian businesses, a Florida trade expo and networking breakfasts. Business leaders are focusing on aviation and transportation during the trip.

“With more than 30 percent of prospects originating internationally, the interest in our region on a global level continues to grow,” Mallot said. “These missions provide significant exposure and help ensure our region is ready to take advantage of opportunities that will create new jobs.”

The local delegation will also meet with Embraer executives, a company headquartered in Brazil that established operations in Florida more than 30 years ago. Embraer currently employs 800 people across the United States and named Jacksonville as the location to build a facility to construct its A-29 Super Tucano planes. Construction of the facility will begin upon approval of a government contract.

While in Brazil, Mayor Brown will visit the mayor of Curitiba, Brazil, one of Jacksonville’s Sister Cities, to further strengthen and develop existing ties between the two cities.

With the efforts of the Jacksonville International Business Coalition, JAXUSA Partnership, the City of Jacksonville, the mayor and City Council members, Jacksonville has strong public/private partnerships that play a critical role in the city and region’s ability to attract international business.