The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), an international consortium of companies, is set to open an office in Pernambuco, Brazil, with the aim of increasing the number of exporting companies in the Northeast region. Data from Brazil's Ministry of Development indicates that in 2025, the Northeast displayed the lowest absolute growth in exporters compared to other regions across the country, highlighting a significant economic disparity. In total, Brazil registered approximately 29,818 exporting firms last year, which marked a historical high but with a disappointing emergence of just 31 new exporters from the Northeast, ending the year with 995 medium and large companies involved in international trade.

The new office in Pernambuco will become the second EEN hub in the Northeast, following the establishment of the first in Maceió in December. This strategic move signals a commitment to fostering local businesses, particularly in sectors showing potential for growth, such as fruit cultivation and textiles. By providing resources and support for these companies, the office aims to stimulate export activity, which is crucial for enhancing the region's economic resilience and growth.

Overall, the opening of the EEN office in Pernambuco is viewed as a pivotal step towards addressing export challenges faced by the Northeast. It comes at a time when the region's export capacities are significantly lagging, despite the national increase in export activity. Leaders from the EEN highlight that building a robust network for local companies can provide the necessary tools and connections to navigate international markets more effectively, ultimately contributing to regional economic development and increased competitiveness on a global scale.