History

The Brazil Industries Coalition (BIC) is a Section 501(c)(6) non-profit, independent organization established in 2000 as a joint initiative led by the Embassy of Brazil in Washington and supported by the Brazilian private sector. It was previously known as the Brazil Information Center and its initial mission was to improve the country’s image in the United States with a view to promote Brazil as a tourism destination and to support high-quality “Made in Brazil” export products. The BIC was also intended to be a platform for Brazilian companies in their relations with Congress and the Executive Branch, and to improve understanding of Brazil-related issues relevant to the United States.

As foreseen in its strategic planning, in 2007 the Embassy of Brazil ceased to be a member of the BIC in order to allow for greater freedom to expand its representation of the Brazilian private sector, while maintaining cooperation in issues of mutual interest.

Under the leadership of a newly elected Board of Directors, the BIC has changed its name and redefined its agenda to further strengthen the Brazil-U.S. relations through active advocacy of bilateral initiatives in the fields of trade, investment, innovation, and energy cooperation under the framework of an evolving strategic partnership between both countries.