Britcham 110 Years (1916 – 2026)

In 2026, the British Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Brazil (Britcham) celebrates 110 years and is putting out a booklet with details, photos and memorable moments from its historic and successful journey [available only in Portuguese].

The journey goes back to 1916 during the First World War. In a tough international context, British citizens in Brazil chose to cooperate and organise themselves, setting up the British Chamber with a clear and lasting goal: to promote and strengthen bilateral relations between Brazil and the United Kingdom.

The institution, which started out focusing on São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, grew in fulfilling its purpose and, decades later, in 1967, began to take on a national structure while keeping its continuity and institutional relevance.

In the following decades, Britcham modernised, expanded its activities and established important milestones, such as publishing the Doing Business in Brazil guide, setting up an office here at the Brazilian British Centre in São Paulo, creating advocacy activities, hosting significant institutional events, establishing thematic committees, among many other important Britcham initiatives.

Today, the Chamber has a broad reach. It operates in different regions of the country and focuses on key issues for contemporary development, such as energy, infrastructure, technology, sustainability, defence, health and the regulatory environment, among others.

Over 110 years, successive leaderships have dedicated themselves to building and strengthening Britcham. Presidents, board members, teams and associates have all contributed and continue to contribute, each in their own time, to the ongoing success of this institution. Combining 11 decades of tradition with innovation, it always aims to keep up with trends and topics that are key for greater Brazil-UK cooperation.

The purpose of the British Chamber remains as relevant as ever: to promote bilateral trade and support a business environment that is more efficient, integrated and sustainable.

Britcham Brasil: tradition and innovation walking hand in hand for 110 years