Overview of the State of Paraná, Federative Republic of Brazil

In the wake of a visit to Paraná by an economic survey delegation from Hyogo Prefecture for the purposes of surveying possibilities of starting up overseas activities by Hyogo’s small and medium companies, a friendship agreement was concluded on May 4, 1970 between the State of Paraná and Hyogo Prefecture. In addition to the two regions’ similarity in terms of nature, culture and industries, there exists a profound historical link between the two, including that many Japanese immigrants who departed from the port of Kobe live in the State of Paraná. Hyogo Prefecture does not only receive overseas trainees from the State of Paraná, but also promotes sports exchanges including joint training with Judo teams from the State of Paraná. Moreover, through collaborative eff­orts by both, Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ entry to the State of Paraná was successful.