South American Consulting Services

Finding the right South American business consultant before entering the Latin American marketplace
By Elliot Feldman, freelance television and new media writer/editor Coney Dog Productions The South American market, particularly Brazil, is one of the world's fastest growing economic regions. However, as with all emerging markets, foreign investors and entrepreneurs should proceed with the appropriate region-specific advice and protection. Before searching for a specific South America consulting service, it may serve you best to gather as much information as possible about countries within the region. U.S. government agencies along with sanctioned global and country-specific agencies should be prime initial online destinations for advice and services.

South American countries (including nearby island nations):

• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Chile
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Falkland Islands
• French Guiana
• Guyana
• Paraguay
• Peru
• South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
• Suriname
• Uruguay
• Venezuela

South American consulting services should offer information that includes:

1. Economic and political climate information
2. Networking opportunities within the host country
3. Arbitration support and legal consultation
4. Relationship assistance in regard to the host government
5. Direct Latin American business consulting
6. Country-specific business training courses

Visit U.S. Department of Commerce websites offering South American business consulting services

Look for American sites that offer South American business consulting and services including information on: Existing and proposed free trade agreements between the U.S. and South American countries; listings of trade events aimed at the South American market; national and industry-specific information; and direct contacts for more advice and information.
Try:  Trade Americas, run by the U.S. Commercial Service, has South American business consultants offering assistance to Americans doing business in the Latin American and Caribbean markets. The Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA) offers extensive links to American Chambers of Commerce in specific countries, as well as, to market intelligence services in Latin America.

Gather country-specific advice from South American business consulting government agencies

While most South American business consulting agency websites require knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese, some offer extensive information in English. Also contact consultants person-to-person in your company's South American host country.
Try:  For doing business in Argentina, the Fundacion Inventir Argentina website offers "The Complete Guide to Business in Argentina" in the English language. For Brazil, the BrazilTradeNet website offers a large calendar of Brazil trade fairs, as well as, other services for foreign investors or entrepreneurs entering the Brazilian market. ProExport Colombia has business sector-specific trade information for English-only-speaking foreign investors and entrepreneurs.

Gather trade leads from reputable South America business consulting services

When entering a foreign market, its best to utilize trade leads and personal business introductions that have been recommended by reputable consultants.
Try:  Co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, The Export Yellow Pages offers a Trade Leads Service where subscribers can gather quality worldwide trade opportunities, including South America. The U.S. Commercial Service offers its Gold Key Matching Service that matches American businesses with host country partners.

• U.S. Chambers of Commerce acts as a market intelligence service in Latin America, offering consulting advocates for U.S. businesses and investors.
• American investors and entrepreneurs should have a basic knowledge of their host country's language and social mores, as well as, strong knowledge of specific market intelligence services in Latin America.