Enterprise Ireland begins its biggest ever trade mission to Brazil today.
42 Irish companies and education institutions are taking part.
Brazil has recently overtaken Britain to become the sixth biggest economy in the world. It is forecast to grow by another 3.5% this year.
This trade mission sees participants from the telecoms, financial services, engineering and education sectors trying to catch some of that growth.
The Minister for Trade and Development, Joe Costello, is taking part in a series of business and political meetings. The mission coincides with the visit to the region of President Higgins, who will also participate in trade promotion events.
In 2011, Enterprise Ireland-supported companies grew exports to Brazil by 40%. Strong growth is expected again in 2012.
