CIMA is also helping its members' Latin American export efforts in other ways, including technical sales seminars, contractor surveys, distributor searches, and product specific market research, all designed to promote a greater understanding of the Latin American marketplace and foster interaction with prospective customers. The media event will be coupled with a reception for press members and Brazilian contractors as well as pavilion participants and their guests. In Fall 2000, CIMA earned a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce with a significant portion earmarked to advance Latin America market activities. With the strong possibility of a Free Trade of the Americas Agreement in the next few years, companies need to be in a good position to take advantage of less restrictions on trade.
Brazil is South America's largest market and has shown signs of positive growth in recent years.
Since launching its pavilion program at Intermat in 1994, CIMA has helped its members bring their products to market in Australia, China, Germany, France, Mexico, Singapore, and South America.