The operation of the export qualification program in factors promoting exportation: an analysis of the ‘Peiex-Franca’

Abstract

By means of the ‘APEX Brasil’ program, the Brazilian Federal Government has developed the Export Qualification Program (Projeto de Extensão Industrial Exportador – Peiex), with the aim of preparing firms for export activities. Following academic research of the internal and external factors affecting firms that both boost and hinder exports, this article aims to analyze whether the PEIEX program has been operating precisely in those areas that the literature highlights as important for firms working with exports. Using data from Peiex-Franca (São Paulo), relating to the period from between 2016 and 2018, involving 190 firms based in 16 municipalities and working in different business sectors, an interview with Apex, and a survey conducted with firms participating in the project in question, the article concludes that there is a convergence between the export factors outlined in the literature and the characteristics of the firms participating in the project. Furthermore, despite Peiex working with these factors, it can be noted that the improvements are concentrated in a few specific internal factors, meaning others are possible within the scope considered in the literature and offered by Peiex.