The Brazilian Association of Companies of Components for Leather, Footwear and Artifacts (Assintecal) was invited to participate in the France Mission, organized by the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil). The initiative, held between June 4th and 6th, included the participation of the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, First Lady Janja Lula da Silva, and ApexBrasil’s President, Jorge Viana. On this occasion, Assintecal was represented by its superintendent, Silvana Dilly.

According to Silvana, the Mission highlighted the excellence of Brazilian fashion, its sustainable and design aspects. “French consumers highly value the artisanal, sustainable, and distinctive work done in Brazil. The mission, more than promoting Brazil’s image in France, opens a window of business opportunities with ‘green and yellow’ brands,” she emphasized. The Mission began with a fashion show featuring five original Brazilian brands led by women, which use sustainable materials in their developments. The event took place at the Café de l’Homme restaurant in Paris. In addition to Silvana and the presidents of Brazil and ApexBrasil, the Brazilian and French First Ladies, Brigitte Macron, also attended the event.

For Viana, the event reaffirmed Brazil’s leading role on the international stage with a positive agenda based on the talent of Brazilian women. “We wanted to hold an event that promoted the talent of women who represent Brazil, producing pieces with design and sustainability. For me, it is an honor to hold this event, which inaugurates the Year of Brazil in France,” he said. At ApexBrasil, the initiative was part of the “Women and International Business” program, which serves companies led by women and offers them opportunities to negotiate their products abroad. ApexBrasil’s Business Director, Ana Paula Repezza, highlighted that French consumers are very interested in niche products, which opens an opportunity for Brazilian fashion to close more deals.

On June 6th, the Mission included an event to discuss topics related to Brazilian sustainability. On the occasion, themes such as the decarbonization and energy transition of the Brazilian economy, infrastructure and mobility, and the role of the private sector in COP30, which will be held in Belém/PA in November, were addressed.