Meetings with ApexBrasil, MDIC, Embratur, Ministry of Tourism, and Sebrae Nacional marked a significant institutional agenda on May 21st
On May 21st, Centrorochas carried out an intensive institutional agenda in Brasília, reinforcing strategic relationships with key government agencies and institutions to drive the international promotion of Brazil’s natural stone sector and related business tourism initiatives. The meetings sought to broaden collaboration on export strategies, support for micro and small businesses, and the integration of tourism with trade fair agendas.
Strengthening export support with ApexBrasil and MDIC
The day began with a courtesy visit to ApexBrasil, where Centrorochas reaffirmed its strong collaboration in executing the sectoral project It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone. The project aims to expand the global reach of Brazilian natural stones and foster new opportunities in international markets. The meeting with Paulo Silva, Coordinator of Industry and Services at ApexBrasil, emphasized the ongoing institutional synergy between the two entities.
Following this, Centrorochas visited the Secretariat of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC). The session, led by Alexsandro Mairink Hoffman, focused on presenting the strategic importance of the natural stone sector to Brazil’s export agenda. Discussions also addressed logistical bottlenecks affecting competitiveness and explored ways to enhance international trade flows.
Promoting Brazil through tourism and trade fairs
Centrorochas also met with representatives from the Ministry of Tourism to propose a partnership that aligns Brazil’s natural stone trade promotion with the country’s tourism strategy. The goal is to leverage the business tourism segment to attract foreign visitors to national and international trade fairs.
During the meeting with Thais Furtado Medeiros, General Coordinator of Legislative Affairs at the Ministry, the delegation—comprising Tales Machado (President of Centrorochas), Giovanni Francischetto (Superintendent), and Flávia Milaneze (CEO of Marmomac Brazil)—presented a proposal for joint actions at key events, including Marmomac Brazil 2026 in São Paulo. The initiative aims to promote extended stays by foreign visitors, attract international journalists, and position Brazil as a holistic destination for commercial and cultural experiences.
Embratur invited to Marmomac Italy 2025
In another strategic engagement, Centrorochas extended an official invitation to Embratur (Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion) to join the Brazilian delegation to Marmomac Italy 2025, which will take place from September 23–26 in Verona. The initiative intends to use the international stage to promote Brazil’s tourism potential and generate momentum for Marmomac Brazil 2026.
The meeting included Roberto Gevaerd (Director of Management and Innovation at Embratur), Congressman Evair de Melo, and the Centrorochas and Marmomac Brazil leadership. The effort forms part of a broader strategy to internationalize the sector and integrate tourism, business, and culture under a unified promotional front.
Centrorochas and Sebrae Nacional align to support micro and small businesses
Completing the institutional agenda, Centrorochas met with Sebrae Nacional to launch a joint effort to strengthen micro and small enterprises (MSEs) within the natural stone sector. The meeting, attended by Margarete Coelho, Director of Administration and Finance at Sebrae Nacional, focused on the development of a technical cooperation agreement aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and market inclusion—both in Brazil and abroad.
Sebrae also expressed interest in contributing to Marmomac Brazil 2026 through initiatives like business matchmaking, multi-regional business missions, and support mechanisms to boost the participation of small enterprises at major trade events.
A unified strategy for sectoral growth
Through a series of strategic meetings held on the same day, Centrorochas demonstrated a coordinated national effort to elevate the Brazilian natural stone sector on the global stage. By forging institutional partnerships across export, tourism, and enterprise development agencies, the organization continues to position Brazil as a competitive, innovative, and welcoming destination for international trade and investment.
