Meeting: Stéphane Engelhard, Vice-President of the CCI France Brazil, General Secretary of Carrefour Brazil

one of the world's top ten economic powers

Is the city's infrastructure adapted to the needs of business customers?

Stéphane Engelhard - They are, with a very large hotel capacity and two convention centres adapted to international events. Accommodation is easy and affordable. As for urban transportIf the level is good, this is an area for improvement. From new metro lines are currently under construction and should provide easier access to the business hubs.

What role do French companies play in Sao Paulo?

Stéphane Engelhard - Sao Paulo is the business capital Brazil, one of the world's top ten economic powers, and therefore an attractive destination for French companies, which are represented not only by the major CAC 40 companies, but also by a large number of SMEs.

Is Avenida Paulista still Sao Paulo's business district?

Stéphane Engelhard - Paulista was born in the 1970s, and is still the city's leading business district. Since then, the Berrini and Campo Beloto the west of Sao Paulo, has taken up the baton with the development of office buildings and numerous residential projects.

Will the political upheaval have an impact on French companies?

Stéphane Engelhard - The federal government's actions should have a positive impact on the economy, especially if the reform of pensions is voted on quickly. Visit French companies in Brazil employ more than 500,000 people and have always invested heavily in the country, even during the crisis between 2014 and 2018. This trend is only set to intensify as the economy recovers.