The Palmetto State continues to attract interest from business leaders around the world. Last month, Team South Carolina welcomed visitors from Japan and the European Union. This week, we had the privilege of hosting a delegation of business, government and university leaders from the State of Espirito Santo, Brazil.
Accounting for more than $360 million of South Carolina’s export sales total in 2016, the South American country is certainly an important economic partner for our state. Since 2011, companies from Brazil have announced more than $100 million in capital investment, creating approximately 85 new jobs in South Carolina. And, today, Brazilian firms employ more than 1,600 workers across the state.
To discuss the future of this mutually-beneficial partnership, a delegation of approximately 25 Brazilian leaders visited the Palmetto State this week. Included among them were Paulo Hartung, the Governor of Espirito Santo, Brazil, and José Carlos da Fonseca Jr., the former Ambassador of Brazil to Myanmar.
On Tuesday, the group met with Governor Henry McMaster and Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt in separate meetings to discuss the potential of additional Brazilian investment opportunities in South Carolina. Following these meetings, the group traveled to Charleston, where they were able to experience more of the Palmetto State’s unmatched warmth and hospitality.
Moving forward, as Team South Carolina continues to lay out the welcome mat for our partners from around the globe, we’ll be able to expand on the already large international footprint that exists within our borders. And, as a result, South Carolina will boast a thriving, globally-connected economy for years to come.