By Fernando Pieri        

 Brazil offers all facilities for opening your business on its territory. Would you like to open a branch of your company in Brazil? Brazil allows the opening of branches of foreign companies, without any participation of Brazilian individuals or legal entities, or you can, not needing any prior government approval, opt to run a new company with Brazilian participation in it. The dividend to be remitted to Canada, as a reward for participating in a Brazilian company, is tax free as well as the foreign investment done for acquisition of shares.

Maybe you have know-how and manufacture capital goods or have technology in computer without similar one in Brazil? Running a company in Brazil, you can request to the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade (MDIC) the “ex-tarifário” which is a reduction on rate of Importation Tax on capital goods or related to computers technology that are of great importance to the production by the Brazilian industries or for the modernization of their industrial park.

Perhaps you want to expand your business to Latin America. Brazil is the leader of MERCOSUR (trade bloc of countries-South Cone) and is one of the “BRICS” countries, being a gateway to South American market. In this sense, the new Brazilian company can import the inputs from the Canadian company, proceed with the manufacture in the territory of Brazil and then export to neighboring countries. The benefit of this operation? Suspension or even exemption from all taxes that a traditional importation would be subject to. This model of “import for export” is called “drawback”.

Do you want to experience the Brazilian consumer market and the receptivity of your product by the Brazilians before running a new business over there? Alright! You can use the “warehousing import”, a customs regime in which you can export from Canada to Brazil, with suspension of taxes. The goods are placed under fiscal control, as dry ports, until the sale to a Brazilian consumer. The sale coming true, you pay the taxes that was suspended, proceed with the customs clearance and then delivered the goods to your Brazilian client, what enables, above all, fast delivery of an imported product without opening a branch in Brazil.

Are you interest in investing in Brazil?   Tell us what the features of your business are, Brazil has the right benefit for you!

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Co-presented with BRAFFTV – Brazilian Film and TV Festival.

By Ingrid Coifman

Film director and actress Petra Costa brings her documentary “Elena” to the Hot Docs 2013, following other successful international screenings and awards such as Audience Award & Best Documentary at the 45^th Brasilia Film Festival 2012, Special Mentions at the 9^th ZagrebDox International Competition and the 28th Guadalajara Film Festival, and Best Documentary Feature at Films de Femmes 2013.

The story is about Elena, a young Brazilian woman who travels to New York with the same dream as her mother: to become a movie actress. She also leaves Petra, her seven year old sister.

Two decades later, Petra also becomes an actress and goes to New York in search of Elena. She only has a few clues about her: home movies, newspaper clippings, a diary and letters. Gradually, the two sisters are confused and the audience can no longer tell one from the other.

The documentary has already  been acclaimed by well-known Brazilian directors Walter Salles (“Central Station”) and Fernando Meirelles (“City of God”). Petra uses intimate personal experiences as her raw material, featuring her sister, Elena, who died when she was seven. Petra said that she came to know Elena more deeply only ten years later, when developing a theater workshop. She found one of Elena’s diaries and start identifying completely with her big sister, learning that she had gone through the same things at the same age.

Before making Elena, Petra directed and produced the short film ‘Olhos de Ressaca’ (Undertow Eyes), a depiction of love and aging as seen from the perspective of her grandparents. In 2009, the short film won prizes such as Best Short Film in the London International Documentary Film Festival, Best Short Documentary in Cine Las Americas and Special Jury Prize in the Gramado Festival.

The 20^th edition of Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, North America’s largest documentary festival, conference and market, takes place from April 25 to May 5, 2013 in Toronto. This year’s Festival will screen 205 docs from 43 countries.

Service:   Elena is co-presented with BRAFFTV – Brazilian Film and TV Festival.

Screenings: April 26^th at 8:30pm (TIFF Bell  LightBox 2), April 27^th  at 11:30am  (Rom), and May 5^th at 1pm (Rom). More info: http://www.hotdocs.ca//film/title/elena

By Ingrid Coifman, Leila Monteiro Lins & Maria Helena Amaral

Billions of spectators around the globe will be focused on Brazil from June 12 to July 13, 2014. Sustainable economic and tourism developments are the expected outcomes for a country that is investing US$16.5 billion in infrastructure in preparation for the world’s greatest soccer event, where Brazilian and foreign spectators will generate an estimated US$5 billion in the local economy.

Brazil’s greatest moment                                                                                      

Discover Brazil’s team has prepared a special report to introduce the 12 host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup: Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Cuiabá, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and São Paulo.

One of FIFA’s main concerns is Brazil’s commitment to sustainability standards. According to Claudio Monteiro, Executive Secretary of the Brasilia 2014 Local Organizing Committee, “Among several other sustainable practices, a rainwater collection system has been adopted for lawn irrigation and solar power will feed the stadiums’ light reflectors. All necessary requirements were carefully planned and integrated into the construction work.”

Around 600,000 foreign fans are expected to join the biggest sporting event on the planet next year. Besides watching the games, tourists will be able to enjoy Brazil’s 8,500 km of beaches and distinct ecosystems such as the Pantanal and the Amazon Forest and the diverse cultural and gastronomic heritage of the country.

The current edition of Discover Brazil magazine is online.  Go to the home page of our site.  HAPPY READING!

Photos by Diego Barros  |  Video:  Grande Rio – School Parade                 By Leila Monteiro Lins -

http://youtu.be/BZ8qACG0lqc

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TORONTO -

By Danielle Marinho

             Appreciated by Brazilians, Canadians, and people from all over the world. According to a famous Brazilian composer, Dorival Caymmi, in one of his famous songs, “those who don’t like samba, good people they can’t be, since they must be head numb or feet sick.” The largest and most popular celebration in the world is Carnival, allowing people to dress up in costumes and head to trendy parties to dance and celebrate.

Carnival is a three to four day holiday (the date varies every year), occurring 47 days before Easter. This year, the Carnival in Brazil begins on February 8^th and goes on until the 12^th. Carnival has its origins dated back to ancient Greece and Roman times. Later, it was incorporated into the Catholic liturgical calendar, culminating on Ash Wednesday. By the Catholic Calendar, Carnival is then celebrated seven Sundays before Easter Sunday. Carnival occurs in various parts of the world such as Venice, New Orleans, Nice, and Rio de Janeiro. Rio meanwhile, is known as the biggest Carnival in the world, according to the Guinness World Records.

Not only Rio, however, is particularly known worldwide for the celebration. Other states in Brazil such as Sao Paulo, Bahia and Pernambuco are all crammed with people in various parades. Recife for example, is known for having the largest block of Carnival in the world, called “Galo da Madrugada” (Dawn’s Rooster). Carnival in Salvador has its“foliões” (carnival enthusiastic goers) host the world’s largest street party – blocking kilometers wide of streets in a weeklong celebration.

2,500 party-goers in Toronto – FEBRUARY 9th - Paramount Conference and Event Venue  

Brazilian Carnival 2013 will pay  tribute to Rio de Janeiro. According to Angela Mesquita, responsible for the Brazilian Carnival in Toronto, with the proximity of the FIFA World Soccer Cup and the Olympic Games in Brazil, it is an excellent opportunity to promote and encourage tourism to Brazil.

The idea of organizing this event in the Toronto community came through by the Brazil Remittance office, a place where people mingle and get to share their needs when it comes to their beloved cities in Brazil. Due to the demand, Angela Mesquita owner of Brazil Remittance, who has been living in Toronto since 1987, decided to arrange in 2006 Toronto’s first Carnival Festival. At that time, 350 people attended the festivities. “By listening to everyone, we look to help with their needs”, explains Angela, who will count on Luis de Castro’s help  to produce the 2013 Carnival celebration.

In 2007, the event received 800 people. And in each of the following years, the number of attendees has been growing constantly. In 2008 and 2009, around 900 people attended; in 2010, 1,200 people; in 2011, almost 1,350 attendees, and in 2012 more than 1,500 people were present at the party. In 2013 however, the  estimated attendance is 2,500 participants and the party’s theme will be Rio de Janeiro’s culture and samba. Performances include  Grupo de Pagode N’ativade; Banda Bracatum; Cibelle Iglesias; The Migration Dance; The Connection Dancers  and Batucada Carioca.

Service:  Brazilian Carnival – February 9th – 7:00 pm to 2:a.m. – 222 Rowntree Dairy Rd. - Vaughan  

More information: (416) 726-7642 or brasilremittance@bellnet.ca    

There will be free transportation, including three available buses between 8:00pm and 2:00am, as well  as free   parking.

By Leila Monteiro Lins

As the world counts down to 2013, Rio is eagerly awaiting the world’s biggest  New Year’s Eve celebration  at Copacabana beach, which once again promises to greet the new year in a massive, spectacular beach party that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime.

Big musical shows in several districts of Rio are going to enliven the turn of the year, with joy and animation, spreading the party all over the city.
Entrance is free, peace is absolute, and security is guaranteed. To spend New Year’s Eve in Rio is to get to know what this city has that is most characteristic: nature and the hospitality of its people.

Copacabana Beach – The biggest party on earth

The people, mostly dressed in white, coming from the four corners of the world, bid farewell to the year that is ending and toast the arrival of the new year. People from all social classes, side by side, everyone together, in peace. In manifestations that mix magic and devotion, devotees make offerings to Iemanjá, the African Goddess of the Waters. And when everything seems to indicate an unforgettable party is when the incomparable event begins.
The largest fireworks show in the world illuminates the beauty of Copacabana Beach in various colors. Two million people united by the incomparable spirit of Rio greet each other, even if they are strangers, and walk in the direction of the shore to make their offerings. Each one in their own private ritual.
The new year has arrived!

The World Records Academy gave the Fireworks Company the award the “Biggest Pyrotechnic Show on Barges in the World” during the New Year´s Eve in Rio de Janeiro which lighted the 4Km of the Copacabana Beach during 16 minutes.

From Leme to Copacabana Fort

Hotels and restaurants present the most varied party options, with menus prepared by great chefs or tropical buffets. Always entitled to the greatest attraction: the magnificent fireworks display at midnight, which illuminates the sky in different forms and colors.
Stages are erected the length of the beach at which live shows take place.

It is undoubtedly the greatest open-air party in the world.

FELIZ ANO NOVO!

Sourse:  Riotur

 Date: From August 27 to September 2, 2012
 Location: City Hall – Toronto - Promoter: Tania Nutall

 Support: Solange Escosteguy

The photos provide a good sample of the beauty and diversity of the Brazilian geography. They depict also the multiplicity and mixture the Brazilian people is made of.

The painters reveal, by their turn, a mix of techniques and a diverseness of themes that is representative of the Brazilian culture too.

Six photographers and seven painters:
Avi Neto, Beto Jardim, Carlito Palmeira, Christiano de Araujo, Denise Militzer, Eliana Rigol, Gustavo Toledo, Joao Paulo Barbosa, Raissa Ferrari, Sandro Liberato, Selma de Abreu, Solange Escosteguy, William Bibiano da Silva.

A country of migrants as well, Brazil is the unique assemblage of Portuguese, First Nations, Africans, Asians. In short: men and women from almost everywhere in the world.

Surprising as it may sound, this unlikely mélange of races, languages, religions originated a one language-one culture 200 million people Nation.

The Exhibit is a simple and necessarily limited evidence of this evolution.

Source: Solange Escosteguy, Toronto, August 27, 2012.

Contact: fernandopieri@hll.com.br.  Website: http://www.hll.com.br

 ONE TAXATION FOR INVESTMENTS ABROAD

 By Ingrid Coifman  

In the midst of recovering from a global economic  crisis, Canadian entrepreneurs are strengthening their relationship with Brazil; with the intention of finding a new place for their financial  resources, without sacrificing legal certainties, profitability and favourable tax treatment. This issue celebrates Discover Brazil’s launch of a new section, designed to explain in simple terms, how to develop a business in Brazil.

Fernando Pieri Leonardo, Professor of Tax and Customs Law and President of the  Brazilian Association of Customs Studies (ABEAD), is featured in our inaugural article in this new section. We welcome your questions and comments as we find out what it takes to be successful in a new business venture in Brazil.

Discover Brazil – Describe the business relationship between Canada and Brazil?

Fernando – Brazil is Canada’s largest trading partner in Latin America and the tenth on
a global scale, being the third largest exporter of goods to Canada.

DB – Are there any favourable tax incentives for investing in Brazil?

Fernando – Since 1985, Brazil and Canada have maintained an agreement that avoids  double taxation on income and earnings, which demonstrates the consolidation  between them. In general, the agreement allows a Canadian who invests in Brazil, but maintains his or her residence and domicile in Canada, to pay tax  only in Canada, thus avoiding taxes accrued on  earned income that is taxable in Brazil.

It is the same for Canadian companies operating in Brazil: a company may conduct business in Brazil, keeping its property in the country of origin, and pay tax only to Canada on the income from the international transaction. If the company chooses to open a branch or  subsidiary in Brazil, the tax will be determined as if they are two separate entities: the parent company will pay tax to Canada and the subsidiary will pay tax to Brazil.

 DB – What has the Brazilian government done to promote  the economy and attract Canadian investments to Brazil?

Fernando – Besides maintaining an agreement to avoid double taxation, the Brazilian government allows the Canadian branch operating in Brazil to write off moving expenses or expenses related to their establishment in Brazil, including expenses and charges for general administration. In addition, on April 3, 2012, the Brazilian Minister of Finance announced a package of measures aimed at promoting the growth of Brazilian industries, such as: an exemption from social security charges for employers in several sectors; and reduced (this may even reach exemption) taxation for exporting companies of products and services. Such benefits may be extended to taxes calculated on the exporting inputs purchased by exporters.

 DB - What are the benefits for a Canadian firm that opens a branch in Brazil?

Fernando - By choosing to open a branch in Brazil, the Canadian entrepreneur can experience unparalleled profitability if compared to other countries: no double taxation, being able to export products produced at a lower cost in Brazil back to Canada with a reduction or even exemption from exporting taxes and the purchase of inputs for export production, reduced social security charges on payroll, among others. On top of that, the investor will face the possibility of expanding their consumer market through their subsidiary opened in Brazil, because: firstly, the products of Brazilian companies or ownership structures that are considered to be national, receive a preference, allowing them to acquire up to 25% over the imported equivalent; and secondly, the branch can be a gateway to Mercosur, considering that Brazil is the leader of the block.

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Fernando Pieri Leonardo, lawyer and consultant with 16 years experience, is a partner at HLL Lawyers, specialising in International Trade, Customs Law, Tax  and Business.

Would you like to do business in Brazil? Send your questions to:    

Contact: fernandopieri@hll.com.br.  Website: http://www.hll.com.br

“Fernando Pieri is the Senior Partner of HLL Advogados. You can follow his company on Twitter (https://twitter.com/HLLAdvogados) or ‘Like’ it on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/HLL-Advogados/371217862949053).”

In three years, the magazine has grown from a print only magazine into a print and web based magazine. We have embraced the social media such as facebook, twitter and linkedin. These three  exposures have given  Discover Brazil  a solid base in which to  compete in today’s magazine industry.

We have worked to develop our  relationship  with our readers, and value  highly all the comments and encouragement we receive from them.

Currently, through our print and on-line channels, we are able to  develop our sponsorship and advertising, giving our clients and partners increased daily exposure.

We value highly all the comments and encouragement we have received from  them so far and hope to continue to develop our communications further, as new  technologies and ideas progress.

You cannot miss Canada’s Largest Brazilian Cultural Event:  the 9th Annual Toronto International BrazilFest 2012.

All sounds and vibes of Brazilian culture will be showcased with its food, music, dance, crafts and workshops. The Festival stage will be filled with musicians, dancers and singers that will take you on an exotic trip exploring Brazilian music and celebration without having to leave the heart of Toronto.

This amazing event will also offer the famous Brazilian “Caipirinha,” Brazil’s national cocktail drink, mixing lime, sugar and Brazilian Cachaca (Brazilian spirit), a must-try cocktail with a Brazilian flare that will have you enjoying the sounds and dance moves of the Samba. And that’s not all! Come and enjoy some delicious grilled Brazilian “Churrasco” Barbeque, Tropical Juices and baked Brazilian goodies being sold by vendors at the festival.

Brazilfest  is considered the best outdoor Brazilian Event in Toronto by the Brazilian Top Choice Award Association for 2007,2008 & 2009. People of all ages regularly attend this amazing event to enjoy the spectacular performances while teasing their taste buds with exotic Brazilian foods. Brazilfest is a must-attend event for anyone interested in sharing in the collective heritage and multicultural diversity of Toronto.

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Where: Earlscourt Park Toronto (St. Clair Ave W. & Caledonia Rd)
Time: 12pm to 10pm  -     More information at http://www.brazilfest.ca.

Free admission