FIEPA Strengthens the Presence of Amazonian Industries in the Global Market
- Maria Luiza Martins
- Sep 22
- 4 min read
For 27 years, the International Business Center of the Federation of Industries of the State of Pará (FIEPA CIN) has acted as a bridge between Pará-based companies and global trade. Created to support the internationalization of industries in the region, FIEPA CIN has established itself as one of the main drivers for inserting Amazonian products into trade fairs, business rounds, international missions, and the issuance of certificates of origin, helping to expand the diversity and economic strength of the Amazon worldwide.
According to Cassandra Lobato, manager of FIEPA CIN, this trajectory has significantly contributed to Pará’s competitiveness in the international arena. “CIN has 27 years of experience in defending and supporting our companies in the international market. Always taking Amazonian products to the world, whether manufactured or higher value-added, to strengthen the export agenda, generate jobs, and ensure returns for our community,” she says.
With an economy strongly based on exports, Pará is one of the largest contributors to Brazil’s trade balance. In this context, FIEPA CIN acts as a facilitator of opportunities and a key promoter of the state in different international settings.
Its work ranges from issuing certificates of origin to commercial intelligence actions, which analyze markets and help companies prepare for international requirements. “We are able to offer not only market analysis but also monitor company performance and support sectors that previously did not have this kind of assistance,” explains Cassandra.
Bioeconomy and New Markets
Among FIEPA CIN’s milestones is its pioneering support for the bioeconomy. Since 2010, the center has developed consulting and mentoring for companies in the sector, assisting with product certification and qualification, crucial for accessing foreign markets. The first work was with the açaí supply chain, which today is among the main exported Amazonian products.
This experience opened doors for other segments. Cachaça, flour, chocolate, biocosmetics, and Amazonian beverages gained international visibility with CIN’s support. “This was a turning point. Fifteen years ago, we had a different demand from companies. Now, with social, environmental, and economic agendas in focus, we have seen a new business profile emerge, focused on innovation and socio-environmental responsibility,” highlights Cassandra.
The so-called “forest market,” based on high-value, sustainable Amazonian products, has attracted growing global interest. “It is a multimillion-dollar, competitive, and socially fair market. It is not just about delivering the product but certifying it, adapting it to consumer preferences, and respecting the connection with local communities,” she adds.
Innovation, Gender, and Entrepreneurship
Another key point highlighted by Cassandra is the strong presence of women leading companies that aim to expand abroad. Attentive to this trend, the CIN supports initiatives such as the “Global Women” program, a partnership between the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) and ApexBrasil, which encourages women entrepreneurs to use e-commerce as a gateway to the international market.
“Female leadership has proven to be fearless and innovative. We have seen Amazonian women entrepreneurs take their products to the world with creativity and responsibility,” she emphasizes.
In recent years, CIN has significantly expanded business rounds and prospecting missions, bringing international buyers closer to Pará companies. If in 2016 the number of buyers was considered modest, it has now doubled, increasing business generation and strategic partnerships.
This movement reinforces FIEPA CIN’s role not only in business training but also in creating tangible commercial opportunities. “It is important to prepare, but also to create opportunities. Our companies need to generate business to grow and complete the development cycle,” says Cassandra.
Amazon in the World Spotlight
Cassandra highlights that CIN’s work also has a strong component of regional valorization. For her, the North of Brazil is still little noticed by the rest of the country, but international projection is changing this scenario. “Having an entity from the Amazon, working for the Amazon, is essential. We connect with international buyers who might never have looked at our region if it weren’t for this effort. This opens doors and further boosts our companies,” she concludes.
Beyond strategic actions, the impact of FIEPA CIN can be seen in the trajectory of partner companies. One example is entrepreneur Daniela Cunha, who started her activities in 2023 and has since maintained an active partnership with CIN.
Through the Center, Daniela participated in international business rounds, courses on pricing, marketing and commercial strategies, as well as the Global Women in E-Commerce program, in partnership with ApexBrasil. She was also introduced to essential services, such as Correios Exporta Mais and Certificates of Origin, which strengthen her brand.
Regarding relevance, Daniela reinforces FIEPA CIN’s role as a facilitator, mentor, and driver of Pará companies’ growth in the international arena, consolidating the importance of policies supporting exports and the Amazonian bioeconomy.
“FIEPA CIN helps structure the company for internationalization and, later, supports business during trade journeys; it assists my preparation as a partner and for international sellers; facilitates networking among partners; and adds value and credibility to my brand, with certificates of origin, for example.”
— Cassandra Lobato, Manager of FIEPA CIN
