Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster at fair and forum in Brazil

ENTERPRISE Minister Arlene Foster has announced that Armstrong Medical in Coleraine has won its first business in Brazil.

The announcement was made at the biggest exhibition for the healthcare industry in South America.

Speaking from the Hospitalar International Fair and Forum in Sao Paulo, Arlene Foster said: “This is a significant and immensely encouraging breakthrough for Armstrong Medical in one of the world’s dynamic markets.

“The company is now reaping the benefits of a strategic decision to focus on developing markets in South America, most notably Brazil.

“Today’s announcement of a contract with a major distributor of healthcare products to hospitals and clinics in Rio de Janeiro will provide a platform for growth throughout what is the biggest and one of the most challenging markets in South America.”

Brazil is one of four large, developing countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) that are distinguished by their demographic and economic potential to rank among the world’s largest and most influential economies.

The Minister added: “The Northern Ireland Executive and Invest NI have identified the Brazilian market as one that offers substantial business opportunities for our companies, both large and small.

“We are committed to assisting companies in Brazil and that is why, Invest NI continues to organise a programme of trade development opportunities including missions and participation in major exhibitions.”

To help identify opportunities and potential partners the company was assisted by Invest NI to participate in Hospitalar in 2012, to showcase its expertise in innovative products for anaesthesia, airway and respiratory management and critical care.

Outlining the new business Roy Neill, Armstrong Medical’s Business Development Sales Manager said: “We began exploring the Brazilian market about three years ago.

“This research enabled us to identify opportunities for our products and to gain information about the steps we would have to take to enter the market.

“Finding the right partner was essential because of the regulatory environment here. We needed an experienced and successful company to help us to obtain the necessary approvals and, of course, to secure business.

“Taking part in Hospitalar last year led to the agreement with GF Labor in Rio to distribute our products.

“This company helped us to meet the regulatory requirements and to gain our first business there, a repeatable contract for our anaesthesia products.

“GF Labor has the extensive business network across Brazil that we were seeking for our product range and should prove to be an excellent partner.”