F E AT U RE PREMIERS SIGHTS ON NEW PROSPECTS Challenges including high and non-uniform port charges can make Brazil a difficult market in which to operate. But Priscila de Lima, of new Affiliate Premier Relocations, sees fresh opportunities, with investment in infrastructure and modernisation of customs operations, as positive steps forward FF: What are the characteristics of your local market? PdL: Its no easy task to be a moving company in Brazil we face daily challenges that are hard for agents and people from other countries to understand fully. Port charges are an issue and it seems that each port in Brazil has its own little regulations, so we constantly need to keep updated and fight for our customers and partners. PRISCILA DE LIMA, OF PREMIER RELOCATIONS FF: How has your countrys moving industry evolved over the past 10 years? PdL: We have seen big changes, with port infrastructure investments and customs operation modernised, which have decreased the time it takes for a shipment to be cleared, along with lower port charges. However, its far from ideal compared with other countries costs, but we are on the right path towards improvement. FF: Where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth? PdL: We see a bright future ahead of us. In the next few years, Brazil will become one of the leading producers of oil in the world, so many companies are investing a lot of resources in the oil and gas industry, particularly in Rio de Janeiro. Our government is also proposing some changes. Since April 2019, Brazil no longer requests visa for Americans, Chinese, Japanese and other nationalities. The Brazilian government wants to open up its economy to the world. So we believe that many companies will invest in Brazil there are lots of opportunities. FF: How would you describe your companys business ethos? PdL: Understanding our customers needs and providing them with an experience that is made easy door to door, stress free and enjoyable. FF: What are your main strengths as an organisation? PdL: We believe in fast communication, competitive rates and customer satisfaction. We have been working for big bookers and our aim is always to anticipate problems and come up with solutions before they become an issue. FF: Why did you decide to join FIDI? PdL: When we opened years ago, it was always our goal and dream to be part of FIDI. We are extremely focused on top-quality services for each move and keeping up standards, so becoming a FIDI Affiliate was something natural for us. We believe in FIDI and we believe in its values. FF: How did you find the FAIM process? PdL: Demanding, as it should be. We prepared for months before we actually applied. We truly believe that by following FIDIs procedures, our customers will benefit from it, as will we. FF: Are you looking forward to playing an active role in the FIDI association? PdL: We already work with many FIDI agents and know them well, so its our goal to participate in an active role to improve this amazing association. Premier Relocations on a domestic move in Brazil 80 FF295 FebMar20 pp80-81 New Affiliate.indd 80 FF: What are the future challenges for your business? PdL: I foresee many dilemmas. Will volumes keep decreasing in terms of individual moves? Will customers in Brazil better accept the use of virtual surveys? We need to be prepared. Everything affects our business the price of fuel, and political instability in South America and around the world. WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 20/01/2020 15:43