International security printing event brought together the leading companies in the industry in Guatemala.

An innovative sustainable banknote, developed from recycled cotton fibers recovered from banknote paper waste, was one of the highlights of High Security Printing (HSP) Latin America, held from the 1st to the 3rd of this month in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Produced by the Brazilian companies Primi and BlendPaper, the banknote combines traditional high-security features—such as multicolor Intaglio printing, numismatic backgrounds, security guilloches, microprinting, invisible backgrounds, and ornamental frames—with cutting-edge technologies, including microperforated numbering and laser marking.

In addition to its sustainable composition, the banknote incorporates UltraLife Fusion, an advanced technology that significantly enhances its durability. The system combines increased internal fiber cohesion with the application of an external protective coating, resulting in superior mechanical resistance, improved circulation performance, and preservation of the distinctive tactile feel of cotton-based banknote paper. The integration of these attributes creates a substrate that combines sustainability, security, and longevity, meeting the growing demands of central banks and the global security printing industry.

During the event, the Brazilian companies also introduced a new solution for the production of security labels and seals designed for a wide range of industrial sectors. The technology features an advanced traceability system capable of monitoring and ensuring product integrity from manufacturing through to the end consumer. By generating detailed reports and strategic information, the tool effectively contributes to fraud prevention and anti-counterfeiting efforts.

The sustainable substrate used in the banknote was developed by BlendPaper and reinforces the principles of the circular economy applied to the security sector. “Our innovative proposal was one of the highlights of the event, demonstrating that Brazil has cutting-edge technology and the capability to develop highly competitive solutions for the industry,” explains Victoria Ferreira, Project and Development Coordinator at Primi.

About Primi

With more than 30 years in the market, Primi is a national reference in high-security printing. The company is a seven-time winner of the Fernando Pini Graphic Excellence Award, promoted by leading institutions in the Brazilian printing industry, including SENAI, ABIGRAF, and ABTG.

Primi holds nationally and internationally recognized certifications, including ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 27001 (Information Security Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management), ISO 14298 (Security Printing Process Management System), and NBR 15540 (Security Management in Graphic Processes), reinforcing its commitment to excellence, innovation, sustainability, and security.

NEWS | Portal da Economia

^{Starting from São José do Rio Preto, in the countryside of São Paulo state, businessman and executive José Maurício Caldeira built his reputation through the development of Colpar Brasil and Adone Holding, companies controlled by brothers José Roberto and Francisco Colnaghi.} 

When he graduated in Business Administration and Accounting, José Maurício Caldeira never imagined that he would become a member of the Board of Directors of Colpar Brasil, a group led by brothers José Roberto and Francisco Colnaghi. Nor did he envision leaving São José do Rio Preto to work on other continents and participate in the management of major international ventures. 

José Maurício Caldeira’s successful trajectory coincides with the expansion of Colpar Brasil, which began its operations in the agricultural irrigation equipment sector and later expanded into PVC pipe manufacturing and rotational molding. Recognition for the quality of its products enabled the company to evolve into a major business group operating across various sectors of the economy. 

Today, the group operates in several Brazilian states. Its businesses encompass agribusiness, food production, PVC manufacturing, forestry ventures, MDF board production, and real estate development. In Brazil, José Maurício Caldeira is also co-founder of JMC Consulting, a company that has been active since 1994 in investment management and real estate project structuring. 

José Maurício Caldeira is also among the founders of Adone Holding, established in 2006 and headquartered in Austria. The company, controlled by brothers José Roberto and Francisco Colnaghi, was created to manage investments outside Brazil, with José Maurício serving as a member of the Board of Directors. 

From São José do Rio Preto to the International Market 

At the age of 13, José Maurício Caldeira began working in accounting offices in São José do Rio Preto. At 18, he enrolled in college to study Accounting and later Business Administration. At the beginning of his career, he never imagined participating in major projects linked to the development of countries such as Angola and Congo. 

José Maurício Caldeira founded his own business in 1994. After working for ten years as an accountant and manager of dealership networks and tire sales operations, he established JMC Consulting, which currently specializes in investment management and real estate project structuring in Brazil. 

In 2003, José Maurício Caldeira was introduced to businessmen José Roberto Colnaghi and Francisco Colnaghi, controllers of Colpar Brasil, to assist in the structuring and internationalization of the group, which had begun exploring business opportunities in Africa. This moment became a turning point in his career. 

Angola: A Nation to Rebuild 

José Maurício Caldeira arrived in Angola during a post-war period. “There was an entire country to be rebuilt,” he recalls. Operations initially began through trading activities, but local demands quickly evolved. 

To meet the country’s needs, especially in the supply of construction materials, an industrial complex focused on the sector was developed. Another major project was the implementation of Grand Lakes Veículos, a Volkswagen Trucks and Buses dealership network in Angola. 

Throughout the operation, cultural challenges also emerged, involving everything from working hours to attitudes toward work. “We respected the local culture, but we invested in professional training. We identified talent and created opportunities for these individuals to become role models,” highlights José Maurício Caldeira. 

According to him, the result of this policy was significant in reducing the need for expatriate professionals. “There are employees in Angola who have been with us since the beginning. It was an extremely rewarding experience,” he summarizes. 

The Challenge in the Congo 

Following the establishment of Adone Holding and the consolidation of operations in Angola, the group took another step in 2011 by launching operations in the Republic of the Congo. 

The experience gained in Angola contributed to the development of a new industrial district in Brazzaville, the country’s capital, as well as the implementation of infrastructure and agribusiness projects. At that time, the company employed more than three thousand workers. Today, it maintains approximately fifteen hundred employees. Among the challenges faced was adapting to a country whose official language is French. 

José Maurício Caldeira emphasizes that one of the key factors behind the success of the partnership with the Colnaghi brothers was the entrepreneurial vision, work ethic, and strategic mindset of José Roberto Colnaghi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Colpar Brasil and Adone Holding. 

New Investments 

Colpar Brasil has consistently demonstrated confidence in the country by maintaining investments and diversifying its businesses even during periods of economic uncertainty. 

In 2018, amid an uncertain economic scenario, the company inaugurated GreenPlac, an MDF manufacturing plant in Água Clara, Mato Grosso do Sul. It also expanded the operations of construction and real estate developer Abitte into states beyond São Paulo, invested in the second dairy and juice factory of Bonolat in Penápolis, São Paulo, and built a new HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plant, increasing Asperbras’ participation in the irrigation market. 

In agribusiness, through Colpar Brasil, the group operates 25 farms located across 11 municipalities in three Brazilian states, utilizing advanced technology and innovation in livestock, agriculture, and forestry operations. 

Adone Holding maintains its operations in Angola through Grand Lakes, a dealership network for Volkswagen Trucks and Buses and the Chinese automaker JAC, in addition to operating in the implementation and management of urban mobility projects. 

In the Republic of the Congo, through its subsidiary Austral Construction, the group operates in infrastructure, agribusiness, and civil construction. In Uruguay, since 2014, it has maintained Adone Projects, a company focused on procurement and trading activities. 

In 2025, Adone Holding began operations in the Republic of Gabon with the establishment of Agrofort Construction, a company focused on agribusiness and infrastructure sectors. 

^{NEWS | Portal da Economia}

Tiago Simões Leite, from Medplus, points to the main causes of sports injuries: competitive overload, inadequate recovery, and muscular deficits 

As the final stage of the UEFA Champions League, ending on May 30, and the approach of the FIFA World Cup, beginning on June 11, reignite discussions about the physical impact of the football calendar on professional players, physician Tiago Simões Leite emphasizes that “the routine of competitive overload, inadequate recovery, and muscular deficits continues to form the most critical triad in the risk of injuries, even among elite athletes.” 

According to Tiago Simões Leite, the routine of recreational or “weekend” athletes carries similar risks, although on a different scale, mainly because most alternate long periods of sedentary behavior with intense and sudden physical effort. This pattern contributes to strains, sprains, and joint overload, especially when there is no regular strengthening, proper warm-up, or professional supervision. The combination of irregular training, lack of muscular preparation, and a rushed return after minor pain creates a favorable scenario for injuries, Simões Leite warns. 

The connection with Medplus’ work is direct, as the risky behavior observed among recreational athletes translates into real demands for the medical teams managed by the company in hospitals across the country. “When someone alternates a sedentary routine with intense football matches, they tend to accumulate microinjuries, joint overload, and muscle pain that often only reach medical care once they have already progressed into more complex conditions,” analyzes Tiago Simões Leite. 

In this context, Medplus’ role in managing the work of medical professionals, including specialized orthopedic physicians, makes a difference. In addition to organizing shifts for surgical teams, there is also a strong focus on encouraging doctors to share injury prevention information with the community during patient interactions. During consultations, the goal is early diagnosis and ensuring a safe return to activities. “Doctors receive many cases of common recreational football injuries, such as ankle sprains, ligament injuries, muscle ruptures, and meniscus problems, offering surgical treatment when necessary, as well as rehabilitation protocols and patient education,” highlights Tiago Simões Leite. 

By understanding the factors that increase risks among non-professional athletes, physician Tiago Simões Leite reinforces his commitment to programs that encourage continuous care, proper strengthening, and safer sports practices. With the World Cup approaching, the topic is also gaining relevance for companies seeking well-being and performance strategies. As Tiago Simões Leite concludes, “load balance and personalized prevention continue to be the greatest allies against injuries, both on and off the field.” 

Specialties 

MedPlus handles everything from medical staff scheduling and the management of materials and supplies to the selection of professionals required for patient care in 57 medium- and high-complexity healthcare units across Brazil. These facilities provide free care through Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) and together account for 5,000 hospital beds and 12,000 healthcare professionals. 

NEWS | Portal da Economia

Launched just a month ago, the Move Brasil programme, which offers R$ 10 billion in credit lines for the renewal of Brazil’s truck fleet, will end on 25 May without any assessment of its real effects on the market.

HEAVY TRUCKS

The president of Anfavea, Igor Calvet, believes that the most important aspect of the programme was to contain the slowdown in the truck market, which has primarily affected the heavy truck segment.

The government was right to approve Move Brasil; we participated in the programme’s launch last week, and it certainly comes at a good time. However, in practice, it has only been in effect for ten days, which hinders an effective evaluation of its returns.

In his opinion, heavy trucks will be the biggest beneficiaries of the programme, which offers loans with a maximum term of 5 years and a grace period of up to 6 months. The maximum annual interest rates, depending on the borrower’s risk classification, range from 13.32% to 14.89%, including financing costs and bank margins.

All operations can be covered by the Investment Guarantee Fund (IGF), with guarantees of up to 80% of the financed amount.

Below is a summary of the conditions established in Move Brasil.

NEW TRUCKS

Accreditation by CFI/BNDES (production criteria with national content).

Compliance with the P8 emissions phase of Proconve (sustainability criterion).

USED TRUCKS

Minimum compliance with the P7 emissions phase of Proconve.

Manufactured from 2012 onwards.

Fiscal traceability and verification of national content.

DECOMMISSIONING PROCEDURE (COUNTERPART):

Eligibility criteria for the delivery of the old vehicle: must be roadworthy, have a valid registration for the year 2024 or one year later.

Must have an original registration date of over twenty years.

Establishes procedures for the definitive deregistration with the traffic authority and submission to the dismantling company.

The financing beneficiary must commit to providing the financial institution, within 180 days, with the vehicle’s deregistration certificate and the invoice for entry into the scrap yard.

Fonte: Motorpy

NOTÍCIAS | Portal da Economia

Volkswagen Trucks & Buses has another competitor to add to its list of best-selling models.

According to data from Fenabrave, the Delivery 11.180 not only established itself as the best-selling truck in the market last year but also led the preference of transport companies when they need a medium-sized truck.

The model recorded a total of 6,543 units and ended the period with over 50% market share in its category.

The VWCO representative took the place that had been held for the past six years by the Volvo FH 540. The model finished 2025 in second place but did not lose its primacy among heavy trucks, with 5,403 units sold, a volume that represented nearly 11% of the segment’s registrations.

In a prominent position

In fact, Volvo stood out in the ranking of the ten best-selling trucks last year, with four models on the list. In addition to second place, the medium truck VM 290 finished the period in third place, the heavy truck FH 460 in fourth, and the VM 360, another heavy truck, in seventh.

Collectively, the models from the manufacturer based in Curitiba (PR) on the list totalled over 16,500 units, or 42% of the 39,300 trucks accumulated among the ten best-selling models, which in turn represented 35.5% of the total market of 100,873 vehicles.

In the remainder of the ranking, the DAF XF finished 2025 as the fifth best-selling model, but third among heavy trucks, accumulating 3,480 registrations, a volume that secured 7% of sales in the category.

Mercedes in the light segment

Mercedes-Benz leads the light truck segment with the Accelo 1017, the eighth best-selling truck in the market. Additionally, it managed to secure second place in the medium vehicle segment with the Atego 1719, the sixth best-selling model in the market, and third in the category with the Atego 2429, which ranked ninth in the top ten.

Finally, the VW Constellation 17.210 rounded off the ranking, coming in as the fourth best-selling medium truck in the market.

Market (2025): Heavy: 49,488; Medium: 37,088; Light: 12,996; Light-weight: 8,653; Light-weight: 2,558. Total market: 110,873.

Font: Motorpy

COP30, held in November in Belém do Pará, Brazil, ended without a precise outcome. There were real advances in some areas, especially regarding climate change adaptation, but it was not possible to reach an agreement on basic aspects such as the phase-out of fossil fuels. The debate remains alive until the next COP, which will be hosted in Turkey in 2026. Even so, environmental topics continue to gain prominence globally, and the ESG agenda (environmental, social, and governance), used to evaluate companies’ sustainable and responsible practices, is becoming increasingly relevant.

The World Economic Forum states that the dynamism of the green economy is second only to the technology sector. In a newly released report, the institution estimates that the so-called “green economy” already reaches US$ 5 trillion per year and is expected to reach US$ 7 trillion by 2030. According to the document, on average, green revenues grow at twice the pace of conventional revenues, companies in the segment have access to cheaper capital, and they tend to be better valued in capital markets.

“This is an inescapable agenda; it is where the world is heading,” says José Roberto Colnaghi, chairman of the Board of Directors of Colpar Brasil, a holding company with businesses in several sectors, such as industry, agribusiness, and urban development. “Companies that do not adopt sustainability as a transversal pillar of their business will lose ground,” Colnaghi adds.

Investment in Green Bonds

In finance, the trend is clear. Once seen as a niche, ESG funds have become an important force in global finance, attracting trillions of dollars. According to Fortune Business Insights, a market intelligence and consulting firm, the global ESG investment market was valued at US$ 39 trillion in 2025 and is expected to reach US$ 125.17 trillion by 2032, growing at a compound annual rate of 18.1%.

This growth is driven by rising public concern about these issues, which leads companies to adopt sustainable practices and also issue green, social, and sustainability bonds, which exceeded US$ 160 billion in 2023. According to PwC’s global investor survey, 79% of investors consider ESG risks and opportunities when making investment decisions.

Institutional investors — such as pension funds, insurers, and governments — currently dominate the market, but the expectation is that individual investors will gain traction in the coming years.

“The environmental agenda opens up a huge economic horizon, which appears in finance but also in the real economy, with the need, for example, to hire professionals with green skills,” adds José Roberto Colnaghi.

And demand for these workers has been growing faster than supply. According to LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report 2023, between 2023 and 2024, demand for professionals with sustainable skills increased by 11.6%, while the number of workers without such qualifications rose by only 5.6%.

Reduction of Greenhouse Gases

These are jobs in various areas, such as regenerative and sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, sanitation, recycling, among others. “What matters is that the work contributes to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, preserving natural resources, and advancing the ecological transition,” says José Roberto Colnaghi.

Currently, Brazil counts 6.8 million formally registered green jobs, representing 9% of the total, of which 30% are held by young people aged 14 to 29, according to a study by UNICEF.

At COP30, green jobs were highlighted, with projections for the coming years. The study “Economic, Commercial, Human, and Financial Diversity for Brazil’s Ecological Transition,” by Instituto Aya and Systemiq, estimates that up to 10 million such jobs could be created in the country by 2030.
Another study, “Jobs of the Future in Brazil: A Just Transition to Low-Carbon Economies,” by Agenda Pública in partnership with Fundação Grupo Volkswagen, is less optimistic. It estimates 7.1 million green jobs by the end of the decade but projects 15 million by 2050.

Bioeconomy GDP

Moreover, the bioeconomy has shown significant strength. Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) calculates that Brazil’s bioeconomy GDP reached R$ 2.7 trillion in 2023, equivalent to one quarter of the country’s GDP. The bioindustry is the activity with the highest economic relevance, at R$ 1.8 trillion, followed by the primary bioeconomy with R$ 1.1 trillion.

Included in the calculation of the bioeconomy GDP are activities such as agriculture, livestock, plant extraction, fishing and aquaculture, food and beverages, pulp and paper, textiles, biofuels, tobacco products, and parts of the clothing, footwear, wood, pharmaceutical chemicals, rubber and plastics, furniture, and electricity industries.

“Owner of vast natural wealth and immense biodiversity, Brazil has everything it needs to be an important player in the global bioeconomy, which is gaining economic relevance and is, above all, the future,” notes José Roberto Colnaghi.

News |  Portal da Economia

Reinforcing its commitment to circular design, Greenplac MDF has just formed a partnership with the Francesca brand, created by designer Francesca Monfrinatti, which launches its new collection this Wednesday, the 29th, with a fashion show at the Mercado Livre Arena Tennis Center in São Paulo (SP).

The manufacturer, established among the main players in the sector, donated 65 sheets of reused raw MDF, 15 mm thick, for the construction of the runway designed by artist Nídia Aranha.

“This is yet another initiative that integrates our ESG policy, in which we encourage the responsible use of materials, promoting new purposes and life cycles for them,” says Laís Carelo, Marketing Manager at Greenplac.

For the designer, this is another opportunity to reaffirm her brand’s purpose. “We seek structure, solidity, the desire to build something that transcends the ephemeral and becomes a legacy. Every decision, every stitch, every failure and success contributes to what becomes concrete, even if born from the intangible,” explains Francesca. “Silhouettes, volumes, and structures are revisited and tensioned, shaping, with each gesture, the foundations of what defines our style,” she adds.

About the brand

With extensive experience in the fashion market, Francesca Monfrinatti has worked in major companies in the sector, such as Daslu, where she worked in the accessories department of the iconic Brazilian brand. Recognized nationally and internationally for her authorial style, she has collaborated with names like Burberry, Christian Dior, Givenchy, and Sonia Rykiel, among others. In 2017, she founded the Francesca brand, consolidating her unique vision of fashion, structure, and aesthetic expression.

About Greenplac

Since its inauguration in 2018, Greenplac has established itself among the main players in the segment, maintaining the essence of family business tradition and simplicity with its roots firmly planted in the countryside.

In 7 years of operation, it has achieved significant recognition for its products, which have been awarded nationally and internationally with prestigious seals such as the POPAI Award, IF Design, DNA Paris Awards, and ADC Awards – International Community of Architecture and Design.

Greenplac has also been recognized for its pioneering spirit with the Gran Colar do Mérito Industrial award from the Federation of Industries of Mato Grosso do Sul. This achievement recognized the economic development that the company has brought to the city of Água Clara (MS) and the region.

Today, the industry has a modern industrial plant, equipped with German technology, and its products are sold in hundreds of retail locations and the largest furniture hubs in the country. The company also stands out for its Green DNA with ESG actions such as the FLORA TIETE and FLORA MS reforestation programs, the Rescuing Lives Institute, Rural School, Green Garden, and Circular Design Projects.

Service:
Fashion show of the new collection from the Francesca brand
Date: 29/10 – at 4:30 PM – By invitation only
Mercado Livre Arena Tennis Center, São Paulo (SP).

Angola’s enormous logistics potential was the central theme of Matheus Selau, commercial manager of Grand Lakes, who spoke on the official podcast of Angola Hub Transporte e Logística, the sector’s largest event, held in September in the capital, Luanda, with the presence of businesspeople and government officials. Grand Lakes, the official representative of Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus, has been present in the country for 18 years and has contributed significantly to the sector’s development.

During the interview, Selau highlighted the company’s importance, as it is the largest importer of heavy vehicles in Angola, in addition to offering after-sales services and technical assistance. “During this period, we have sold more than 11,000 units and have 200 employees across our four branches. We have a prominent presence in the construction, agricultural production, and logistics sectors,” stated the executive. “We are present, directly and indirectly, in all sectors of the Angolan economy,” he added.

Another important topic discussed was the Lobito Corridor, an infrastructure project that will connect the Lobito Harbour, Angola, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. The goal is to create a more efficient trade route to regional and global markets. The rehabilitation and expansion of the railway are intended to attract investment, generate jobs, strengthen agricultural value chains, and promote access to clean energy and digital connectivity. “This project will certainly be a vital channel for Angola’s economy, strengthening the country’s interaction with international trade,” Selau emphasized.

According to José Roberto Colnaghi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Adone Holding, the group to which Grand Lakes belongs to, the event was an excellent opportunity to expand networking with partner companies and public and private entities. “We intend to strengthen our presence on the African continent, and this event was an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties not only commercially but also with the Angolan community,” the José Roberto Colnaghi stated.

Social Actions and Sustainability

During his appearance on the podcast, Matheus Selau also highlighted Grand Lakes’ role in social projects in Luanda. “Since 2018, we’ve been the largest partner of Baluarte, an institution that serves children in situations of extreme social vulnerability. We donated a vehicle and a plot of approximately one hectare to expand our service capacity and build a high-quality library,” he said. The company also partnered with the NGO Nova Vida, which runs programs aimed at ensuring access to education, food, and medical care for children, as well as promoting professional training and sustainable development. “One of the pillars of our work in Angola is economic and social development, focused on sustainable growth,” emphasizes Grand Lakes director Geraldo Kulaif.

About Grand Lakes

Headquartered in Luanda, Grand Lakes Veículos, part of the Adone Holding group, has been operating in the heavy vehicle segment in Africa since 2007. During these years, the company has sold more than 11,000 vehicles.

Since 2019, the company has collaborated with the Regular Urban Passenger Transport Project (TURP), delivering more than 2,000 buses to map operational routes and define urban and interprovincial stops, with the aim of facilitating the daily commute of thousands of people. In 2022, Grand Lakes also allocated more than 200 trucks to the Integrated Rural Trade Development Program (PIDCR), which aims to optimize the flow of agricultural production to consumption areas and boost rural growth.

As Angola celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence, Grand Lakes Veículos is participating in the 40th edition of the Luanda International Trade Fair (FILDA), the country’s largest international trade event, taking place from July 22nd to 27th in the Angolan capital. This year’s fair focuses primarily on the country’s development through innovation.

On the first day of the event, several product launches are expected at the Grand Lakes booth, which occupies a 600 m² area—one of the largest at the fair. The space was designed to highlight each of the brands represented by the company, a member of the Adone Holding group. In the automotive sector, Grand Lakes represents the JAC Motors, Randon, and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus (VWCO) brands.

Among the highlights is the launch of a road semi-trailer from Hercules Chassis, a US company acquired last year by the Brazilian company Randon. “This is a historic moment for Angola. We are happy to participate once again in this important fair and know that we continue to contribute to the country’s development,” celebrates Geraldo Kulaif, director of Grand Lakes.

Booth Highlights

The Volkswagen Delivery 11.170 and Constellation 17.250 models will be on display in the dedicated Volkswagen space. There will also be a parts and service counter promoted by the Volkswagen|Care campaign, with the slogan: “More availability for your vehicle, more profitability for you.”

In the automotive parts sector, Grand Lakes represents major brands in the sector, such as Fras-le, StradaR, Master, and Suspensys—all owned by Randoncorp—as well as renowned filter manufacturer Tecfil.

Each space at the booth was carefully designed to provide a welcoming and informative experience for visitors. The project includes a comfortable lounge and a meeting room, ideal for meeting clients and potential business partners. “We have always been very well received in Angola, and our goal is not only to grow in the local market but also to expand our business to the African continent,” says José Roberto Colnaghi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Adone Holding, to which Grand Lakes belongs.

Special attractions

On July 23rd, starting at 5:00 p.m., giveaways will be distributed at the booth to welcome visitors and celebrate Grand Lakes’ participation in FILDA 2025. For the first time, this year’s event will feature a dedicated pavilion for the automotive sector, reinforcing interest in this market.

In addition to Brazil, this edition will feature representatives from at least 15 confirmed countries, including Portugal, Turkey, Indonesia, Italy, Namibia, Zambia, South Korea, and the European Union, solidifying the fair as Angola’s leading international business event.

 Leadership

Headquartered in Luanda, Grand Lakes Veículos is part of Adone Holding and has been operating in the heavy vehicle segment on the African continent since 2007. During this period, the company has sold 11,000 vehicles.

Since 2019, the company has delivered more than 2,000 buses to the Regular Urban Passenger Transport Project (TURP), an initiative focused on mapping and defining key operational routes, as well as selecting urban and interprovincial bus stops. The project’s mission is to facilitate the daily commute of thousands of people.

And starting in 2022, more than 200 trucks were allocated to the Integrated Rural Trade Development Program (PIDCR), which aims to improve the flow of agricultural produce to consumption areas and boost rural growth.

The year 2024 was marked by events, awards and celebrations at Grand Lakes Veículos, a representative of Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus (VWCO). The company which belongs to Adone Holding received the awards for Best After-Sales Service and Best Sustainability Project after participating for the second year in the High Performance Program, created by the automotive industry for importers in Latin America and Africa, during an event held in São Paulo (SP).

According to José Roberto Colnaghi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Adone Holding, the award for best after-sales service was validation of the efforts made over the years. “We have been in Angola since 2007 and overtime we have learned to understand the country’s particularities and needs. Today we have a team of over 250 employees,” says Colnaghi.

Last year, the company also had the support of major brands to promote the 2nd edition of the Corrida Integração. The event also focused on well-being and health aimed to bring together customers, partners, suppliers, employees and also collect food to benefit two important social welfare institutions in the Angolan capital, Atos and Baluarte.

“It was not just a race, but a way to celebrate life, well-being and physical and mental health. An opportunity to show that through sport,we can create connections between people and strengthen partnerships”, says the director of Grand Lakes, Geraldo Kulaif.

Grande Lakes also participated in the 39th Luanda International Fair (FILDA), the largest trade promotion event in the country. Around 300 people, including customers, potential customers, Angolan government authorities and journalists visited the venue. The event offered business opportunities in several areas, especially transportation, food and beverages, machinery and equipment and home and construction.

“It was a great moment to present our cargo transportation solutions to the international market and offer, especially to African countries, options that complement the transportation development strategies of several countries,” celebrates Grand Lakes director Geraldo Kulaif.

To close the year, the company participated in Fenatran 2024, the largest transportation fair in Latin America, and received the Team’s Choice Africa Award – 2024, promoted by Randon, at an event held in Atibaia (SP).

For 2025, Grand Lakes is already preparing for the next edition of the Luanda International Fair – FILDA, which will coincide with the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence from Portugal. A large exhibition is expected in the Special Economic Zone (ZEE), with the presence of companies from several countries and Angolan cultural attractions.