For more than 50 years, the BNDES has been one of the driving forces behind Brazilian development, offering several financial support mechanisms to companies, individuals and public administration entities. The growing importance of Brazil in the world scenario, coupled with the interdependence of the globalized world economies, has compelled the BNDES to broaden its horizons and intensify its participation outside Brazil, as well.

In fact, the BNDES’ connection with the globalized market has existed for a very long time. The Bank pays full attention to exports in Brazil by fostering the production and the sales of locally-produced goods earmarked for foreign trade. In addition, the BNDES supports the internationalization of Brazilian companies, aiming at increasing their competitiveness which, in turn, propels the global economy.

The BNDES has other relations with the global market; for example, with multilateral organizations and fomentation agents, through which the Bank raises funds and finances projects of common interest. The BNDES has also consolidated its funding with the international market by issuing bonds.

Reinforcing the BNDES’ international operations requires the development of new organizational structures, including the constitution of branches of the Bank outside Brazil. The following measures reflect the strategic nature of the BNDES’ international presence:

• In May 2010, the BNDES created EXIM Brazil, its new subsidiary with exclusive dedication to the foreign trade sector;
• In November 2009, the Bank opened BNDES Limited, its subsidiary in London, United Kingdom, as an investment holding company;
• In August 2009, an office in Montevideo, Uruguay, was opened;
• In 2008, the BNDES’ organizational structure underwent a change with the creation of the International Division, responsible for coordinating the implementation of activities connected to the Bank’s international operation, yet linked to other internal sectors.

With all these efforts, the BNDES aims to consolidate the strength and competitiveness of the Brazilian economy within a fully interconnected world. With this, the Bank launches its operations on a new level, where elaborating Brazilian development involves an integrated view in a global context.