The 43rd edition of Vitória Stone Fair | Marmomacc Latin America is slated for February 14 to 17, 2017 at the Carapina Expo Center in Espirito Santo, Brazil. The international stone exhibition is focusing on increasing global partnerships in 2017 and establishing itself as a thriving environment for entrepreneurs, investors and consumers seeking the most modern and technological advances on today’s market.

According to organizers, the international benchmark of the fair reflects a sector that has proven to be one of the most resilient of the Brazilian economic activity. In times of recession, entrepreneurs of the stone industry manage to cope better with adversity and to set down roots in the foreign market. This strengthening is due to investments made over the last five years in production and extraction.

And investment has brought positive results. In the first half of 2016, Espírito Santo, the largest producing region in Brazil, registered exports of marble and granite of $501 million (U.S.), 62% of total sales in 2015. If the sales pace is maintained, the result of this year will surpass last year, underlining the dynamism of the sector.

According to the Ministry of Development, in the first half of 2016, imports of machinery, equipment and technology for the stone sector of Espírito Santo totaled $25.5 million (U.S.), which is almost what was purchased total in 2015. ($38.8 million U.S.). With the beginning of the Brazilian economy recovery, exports and imports may double.

This symbiosis of Vitória Stone Fair | Marmomacc Latin America will be strengthened at the 2017 exhibition with special dedication to foreigners already traditional in the event. The show is growing its Buyers Club program, which is responsible for bringing buyers and potential importers of the sector to the event. Moreover, it will receive foreign delegations, following the success of more than 60 countries which visited the exhibition in 2016.

In addition to the Buyers Club, the event promoters have entered into a partnership with Latam -- offering special rates on airline tickets for domestic flights -- and Oneworld, which has 14 airlines operating at major airports around the world in its network, also offering discounted tickets flights to participants of the exhibition.