EIC celebrates 20 years in Brazil
26 May, 2020
This month the Energy Industries Council is proud to celebrate 20 years in Brazil since it first opened its doors in Rio de Janeiro.
The original office was inaugurated in Avenida Nilo Peçanha, on 22 May 2000. In 2009, EIC Rio moved into its current office in Avenida Rio Branco, 89, on the 26th floor.
Since 2009 the office began promoting events and strengthening ties with major players in the industry as well as prominent government figures, thanks to the initiative of its current Head of Americas, Clarisse Rocha. From 2009 to the present day, EIC Rio has hosted 159 events, training and now webinars, with 5,321 attendees from 1,258 companies.
Much has changed in the Brazilian energy sector since 2000. Already a key oil and gas player back then, Brazil more than doubled its oil production over the next 20 years. Massive pre-salt discoveries heralded the beginning of a new era for the country’s oil and gas sector, bringing new technologies, investment and business opportunities for EIC members around the world.
Vijay Rangarajan, British Ambassador to Brazil, commented: “Congratulations to the EIC. Over the last 20 years, EIC has been an important partner for HMG in Brazil and to the energy sector, delivering high-value content and comprehensive support to its members in a fast-changing world. The importance of energy and the energy transition has never been higher for the world, Brazil and the UK. Long may our collaboration continue.”
EIC works closely with suppliers interested in doing business with Petrobras, the national oil company, who have consolidated its position as the world’s largest FPSO operator with multi-billion dollar projects in its portfolio. Over 100 companies received EIC support to get registered with the oil major. Meanwhile, an array of oil companies and independent players entered the market and are developing their own ambitious E&P projects.
EIC has nearly 700 members worldwide, and around 200 active in South America. The Rio de Janeiro office has played a great role throughout the years in aiding its members and colleagues to achieve their goals. Through the years the office has supported several companies to start operations in Brazil such as Aggreko and London Offshore Consultants.
Services from this region also include bringing the best of the UK supply chain to key countries in South America across almost 30 trade delegations. For the next 20 years to come, EIC Rio remains focused on providing services with excellence, helping the supply chain to win business across the globe.
Former president of the Rio office, Ian Wilkinson, commented: “This a significant milestone for EIC. Since 2000 the Rio office has evolved into a much slicker operation providing programmes which are helping companies who have lack of market knowledge and exporting opportunities/entry into Brazil.”