Brazil continues to attract U.S. companies seeking opportunities in renewable energy, recycling, and sustainable development. Commercial consul Craig Cassarino has spent decades helping New Hampshire businesses connect with Brazilian partners while promoting economic growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability in both countries.
Craig Cassarino has dedicated decades to strengthening sustainable business partnerships between the United States and Brazil.
Brazil has become one of the most promising destinations for American companies interested in sustainability, renewable energy, and environmentally responsible business practices. Few people understand this opportunity better than Craig Cassarino, whose career has been dedicated to strengthening commercial and environmental cooperation between the United States and Brazil.
After decades working on sustainability initiatives in both New Hampshire and Brazil, Cassarino now serves as the Commercial Consul for Brazil for the State of New Hampshire. In this role, he helps companies interested in expanding into South America by connecting them with strategic partners, distributors, financing sources, government agencies, and local business leaders.
Working alongside the International Trade Resource Center (ITRC), Cassarino supports several initiatives designed to increase trade between New Hampshire and South America. Among them is a trade mission to Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, giving American companies the opportunity to meet South American businesses, understand regional markets, and learn how to successfully operate in Brazil—the largest industrial economy in South America.
“I’ve worked with ITRC before on past trade missions and their participation helped create the best response ever,” Cassarino said. “The ITRC staff responds quickly when needed, yet they also understand that building an international business takes time. Every company must develop both a strong resource base and an understanding of the country’s culture.”
Building Bridges Between Two Cultures
Over the past 15 years, Cassarino has developed a deep understanding of Brazilian culture and believes cultural connections are just as important as business relationships.
As part of these efforts, the Brazilian state of Bahia has been considered for a sister-state partnership with New Hampshire, while Salvador, Bahia’s capital, has been proposed as a sister city to Los Angeles—initiatives designed to strengthen educational, cultural, and economic cooperation.
A Career Inspired by Brazil
Cassarino first traveled to Brazil in 1989, shortly after selling a New Hampshire recycling company. He quickly felt at home and relocated to São Paulo, where he recognized enormous opportunities in environmental engineering, renewable energy, and recycling—areas where American expertise could help meet Brazil’s growing demand for sustainable technologies.
At the same time, he found that Brazilian businesses were eager to partner with U.S. companies to gain access to advanced technology, financing, and international expertise.
During the following seven years, Cassarino built an extensive professional network throughout Brazil while working with the U.S. Commercial Service to connect Brazilian recycling and environmental projects with American companies. During this period, he also met his Brazilian wife, Catita.
In 1996, he accepted an invitation to join a New Hampshire company, and he and Catita returned to the United States. However, Brazil remained at the center of his professional life.
Sustainability as a Business Strategy
Long-term success in Brazil depends not only on business strategy but also on understanding Brazilian culture and building lasting relationships.
Since returning to New Hampshire, Cassarino has continued traveling regularly to Brazil, allowing him to stay informed about new economic developments while strengthening long-term partnerships. Many of these trips include his wife and their son, Caio, who enjoy visiting family and friends throughout Brazil.
“I love entrepreneurship and helping businesses succeed, especially when two cultures and countries are involved,” Cassarino said. “When it works, both countries benefit.”
Energy has long been one of the sectors that excites him most.
He believes Brazil’s investments in renewable energy and biofuels create significant opportunities for collaboration with American companies.
“If we can bring a New Hampshire company’s biofuel technology to Brazil,” he explained, “it can create jobs, educational opportunities, and economic growth in both countries.”
Such partnerships would benefit Brazilian farmers by creating demand for energy crops, require the development of a skilled refinery workforce, and open new markets for American technology—all while advancing sustainability.
Expanding into Brazil
According to Cassarino, entering the Brazilian market is often less difficult than many companies expect. Although international expansion can be challenging without local knowledge, organizations such as the International Trade Resource Center (ITRC) provide guidance throughout the process.
For Cassarino, the work extends beyond trade.
“As commercial consul, I have the opportunity not only to make a positive impact but also to create a legacy for my son,” he said. “If we continue developing strong relationships between New Hampshire and Brazil, future generations will have even greater opportunities to make a difference.”
For businesses interested in sustainability, renewable energy, recycling, and international partnerships, Brazil continues to offer one of the world’s most promising markets.
* To reach the webpage for the International Trade/Exporting of the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center click HERE.
FAQ – Sustainable Business Opportunities
1. What is Craig Cassarino’s role as Commercial Consul for Brazil?
Craig Cassarino helps New Hampshire businesses establish commercial relationships in Brazil by connecting them with distributors, government agencies, financial resources, and local business partners.
2. How does the International Trade Resource Center (ITRC) support companies?
The ITRC assists businesses through trade missions, market guidance, strategic connections, and export support, helping companies successfully enter South American markets.
3. Why is Brazil an attractive market for U.S. companies?
Brazil is South America’s largest industrial economy and offers strong opportunities in renewable energy, recycling, environmental engineering, biofuels, and sustainable technologies.
4. What sectors offer the greatest potential for collaboration?
Renewable energy, biofuel production, recycling, environmental engineering, clean technology, and sustainable infrastructure are among the sectors with the strongest growth potential.
5. How do partnerships between Brazil and New Hampshire benefit both countries?
These partnerships promote technology transfer, job creation, workforce development, educational opportunities, and long-term economic growth while strengthening cultural ties.
