InvestSP Forms Partnership to Boost Exports to Italy and Attract Foreign Investment to São Paulo
Agency to collaborate with Simest on strategic actions and business opportunity mapping
InvestSPInvestSP, the investment promotion agency linked to São Paulo's Economic Development Secretariat (SDE), has entered into a partnership with Simest, an Italian company dedicated to increasing exports and supporting the internationalization of Italian businesses. The agreement was signed on Wednesday (9) during the Fiesp x Italy Business Forum, hosted by the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp), with an opening address by São Paulo’s Lieutenant Governor, Felicio Ramuth.
The partnership aims to strengthen trade relations between São Paulo and Italy, focusing on attracting foreign investment to the state and creating business opportunities for São Paulo-based companies in the Italian market. With this collaboration, InvestSP's teams in Brazil, its European office, and Simest will exchange strategic information and work together on initiatives such as opportunity mapping, business networking events, and trade missions.
“São Paulo is open for business, and InvestSP is fully committed to connecting São Paulo companies with counterparts in Italy and across Europe. For the State Government, entrepreneurship is key to driving job creation and income generation,” said Lieutenant Governor Felicio Ramuth.
"São Paulo has immense potential to attract investment and foster new business opportunities, which is why we are closely monitoring ways to increase exports and support the internationalization of São Paulo companies. Encouraging entrepreneurship is a clear directive of Governor Tarcísio de Freitas," said Jorge Lima, São Paulo's Secretary of Economic Development.
“Italy is São Paulo’s second-largest trading partner in Europe, and the state has millions of Italian descendants, creating strong cultural ties with the country. I am confident that this partnership will be crucial in boosting São Paulo’s exports, closing new deals, and generating jobs and income,” said InvestSP President Rui Gomes, who signed the agreement on Wednesday.
InvestSP operates a network of international offices across four continents. In addition to its European presence, the agency has representation in North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Beyond helping São Paulo companies enter international markets, these offices also work to attract foreign investment to São Paulo, including engaging with business leaders and conducting market research for São Paulo’s infrastructure and privatization projects under the state’s Partnership for Investment Program (PPI/SPI).
More than 20 projects have been qualified under the state's Investment Partnerships Secretariat (SPI) program, including the Santos-Guarujá Tunnel and the Intercity Train (TIC) linking São Paulo and Campinas, with the potential to bring in over R$400 billion in private capital to the state.