Brazilians have other, popular expressive tools. For example, during a conversation one might suggest that the listener pay close attention to what is being said. This is generally accompanied by a raised index finger and a slight frown. Solemnly the phrase is delivered, though it's curiously incomplete: - O negócio é o seguinte (Literally, it's "The deal is the following," or the rough equivalent of "Now, here's the thing.") Then follows the negócio itself, which could be the time to meet in a bar for a chat at the end of the day, going to the stock exchange to make an investment or simply going to pick up the kids from school.
             Given that the phrase can be used in almost any situation, let's put it into action right now. O negócio é o seguinte: Brazil has for years been part of the international circuit of business tourism and events. Ours is a history of success. And as the saying goes, success breeds success.
             A solid, stable economy in a period of sustained growth, a potential market of 170 million people (mostly in urban areas), modern industries employing the latest technology in various sectors, sophisticated commerce and some of the world's most profitable agriculture combine as an inexhaustible source of investment opportunities.
             Investors, business people, executives, technicians and academics accompanythe movements of the complex world of business. Brazil, of course, is fully equipped and prepared to offer the support needed to ensure quality in thisarea of tourism. We offer an ever-expanding range of modern, efficiently run hotels, complemented by remarkable culinary excellence, entertainment and shopping.

Trade Fairs

             The largest and most important trade fairs in South America are held in Brazil. Besides the internationally well-known Anhembi and Riocentro there are many other trade-fair pavilions throughout the country. During any trade fair these venues are transformed into hotly contested windows for the products of Brazil. This is particularly evident in economic sectors in which Brazil enjoys worldwide renown, such as footwear and accessories, textiles, foodstuffs, plastics, building materials, and the instruments used in healthcare and aviation. "Made in Brazil" means it's made for the world.

Congresses, Symposiums and Seminars

            When it's time for a debate, meeting, exchange of ideas or a presentation, there's no arguing the fact: Brazil is recognized by the world's leading event organizers as a country well prepared to host any kind of gathering, regardless of scope or scale.
             The country's convention centers, resorts and hotels of international standard are all equipped with the human and technological resources needed to ensure a smooth, hassle-free event. That includes commercial, scientific, technical and academic events, all of which enjoy the added advantage of costs that are well below those of other countries.
             Truly, it's an indisputable fact: Brazil is the place. Just set the date, because the venue has already been decided.

Corporate visits, meetings and events

             Due to rapid globalization in the world economy, corporate tourism is enjoying steady growth. In this way opportunities are evaluated, investments are calculated, large businesses are set up and important contracts are signed. And in this area Brazil claims an increasingly significant share of the market. In addition to the offices and industries of major international companies located in Brazil, the country also enjoys worldwide importance in critical sectors such as agribusiness and executive aviation.
           Happily, this situation has engendered the development of a compatible infrastructure. Of course, it's no accident that the largest Latin American airline and the two largest airports in South America are in Brazil. São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport has become a hub for the main cities of Brazil and South America.

Health

            Brazil also enjoys a worldwide reputation for developments in the areas of health and medicine, including cardiology, oncology, dentistry and plastic surgery, among others. Brazilian hospitals boast a level of international excellence, offering doctors and nurses of the highest standards. Apart from these benefits, anyone who is obliged to travel for medical treatment will discover the exceptional cost/benefit ratio that makes Brazil an even more attractive option.

Sports

            Brazil is the undisputed master in the world of football, and is revered everywhere for its prowess. As well as exporting players from the four corners of the pitch to the four corners of the globe, the country is also a great attraction for followers of other sports.
           The size of the country, its geographical diversity, and its immense coastline, rivers and lakes all make Brazil the natural choice for sports connected to nature, like surfing, sailing and canoeing among others. Naturally, the international calendar is dotted with events that take place in Brazil. Thousands of sports complexes offering perfect conditions for a variety of sports are an excellent advertisement for the sporting facilities available throughout the country. This sporting heritage will beconsolidated when Brazil hosts the Pan American Games in 2007.

Political events

            Brazil, as a nation, projects an image of fundamental importance to the international community, thanks to a consistently decisive and courageous foreign policy. Consequently, Brazil is the ideal venue for events of a political nature. Military leaders, activists, parliamentarians and heads of state converge on the country for a host of major gatherings covering all political and ideological hues. The most important of these, having received comprehensive international media coverage, were the World Social Forum held in Porto Alegre and the United Nations Rio Conference held in 1992. In 2004, the major event will be the 11th United Nations Conference for Trade and Development - UNCTAD - set to take place in São Paulo.

Education and Science

            It's perfectly obvious: The level of Brazilian scientific research and production carried out at universities has important repercussions in the world's academic circles, as well as attracting foreign students and intellectuals. There's a natural fascination for a country that so effortlessly combines the technology to produce satellites and airplanes with the ancient indigenous wisdom used in the medicinal application of native plants.
            The exuberant biodiversity and the rich flora and fauna of the Amazon are attractive not only for their beauty and exoticism but also for the newly emerging potential they have for scientific applications. And if Brazil is highly developed in technological areas - namely in its unsurpassed technology for off-shore oil drilling -it is not to be left behind when it comes to Human Sciences, including architecture, dance, theatre, music and more. Here, too, Brazil can hold its head high.

Shopping

            One can't put a price on the importance of shopping in the context of tourism. And in Brazil this is an area of constant growth. With a huge internal market, a stable economy, access to the major product launches and international trademarks, the main Brazilian cities are replete with shopping centers and commercial areas. As such, they're an essential part of any visit to Brazil. Neither should one forget the local handicrafts, regional products and the chance for the visitor to see first-hand the process of creation, which is an attraction in itself. Of particular prominence are the growing areas of Brazilian jewelry and fashion, reflecting the talents of designers, and which are recognized as part of the international circuit of events. To put it simply, Brazil is in fashion!

Technical visits

             The world is watching Brazil, and ever more as it grows steadily on the international scene. This has led to an effort by the Ministry of Tourism, through Embratur - the Brazilian Tourist Board - to arrange visits by foreign business people and technicians to plantations, cattle ranches, mines, industries and other places of economic significance, as part of a program to attract new investments to the country and enhance the range of Brazilian exports.