The National Postal Operator in Brazil

« Interview continued from page 1

In parcels, Correios remains the market leader: 35% of all sales over the Internet in Brazil are delivered by the national postal operator. “Additionally, we provide track and trace online and smart phone solutions. In the near future we will implement status reports via SMS, with the sending of proof of receipt digitally also.”

Moving on to discuss the successful Exporta Facil programme, Pinheiro emphasised the importance of this ‘flagship initiative’ that simplifies procedures for low value exports, thereby making it much easier for small companies to sell outside Brazil.

“Due to our expertise in this field, we are a strong player within the framework of the National Export Initiative launched by the Brazilian Government, since we train businessmen from all around Brazil willing to export.”

Correios is also sharing its skills and expertise with the International Bureau of the UPU so that the latter can expand the initiative’s reach to all interested member countries. During the recent UPU Congress held in Doha, the Exporta Facil service received special attention from delegates.

Developments in the retail network

I asked to what degree the retail network performed a wider social role. The Brazil Post President responded: “In addition to our array of products and services, our post offices network provides full access to Government related programmes and benefits. For example, in emergency situations, post offices are used as collecting points for charity items intended for disaster victims. They are also used as central points for the delivery of items connected with public health campaigns.

“We plan to convert our postal outlets network into both convenience stores and interface spaces between the government and its citizens,” said Pinheiro.

Moving to financial services, he felt that “the Postal Bank is another example of how our retail network acts as a crucial service for the general public. Thanks to its creation and development, individuals have access to basic bank services and small size localities continue to be supported… In the first 10 years of operation, Correios has opened 11m bank accounts for account holders, most of whom earn only the minimum wage.”

The operations contract with the former Postal Bank partner expired in 2011. Following competitive tendering, Banco do Brasil, a public bank, has taken over.

The people side of the business

Unlike the majority of national postal operators around the world, Correios is currently involved in a major recruitment campaign.

Pinheiro explained: “In 2011, 10,000 employees were recruited by Correios. Through to April 2013 Correios is planning to recruit 9,904 more employees.

“Permanent training and refresher programmes are carried out to ensure the meeting of our quality standards. These include courses offered at our Corporate university, UNICORREIOS. In 2012 we are doubling the number of scholarship grants for our employees with a view to continuously improving their skills. We have also established a scholarship programme for postgraduate communication.”

Still on the people side of the business, and as my concluding question, I asked Wagner Pinheiro de Olivera to tell me something about himself.

“I was appointed as President of Brazilian Post in January 2011. I graduated in economics with a specialisation in financial management; and began my professional career as an investment analyst at the former Banespa Bank, a public bank in Sao Paulo State.

“I also acted as Finance Director in charge of the pension fund at Banespa, and I subsequently chaired the pension fund of PETROBRAS. To manage a pension fund is a challenging responsibility, since we are accountable for the future of its members,” Pinheiro concluded.

Wagner Pinheiro de Oliveira, president of Brazil Post, will be speaking at World Mail and Express Americas 2013. The annual event takes place this year in Rio de Janiero from 26-28 February, 2013. An early bird discount is currently available for delegates until the end of December. Click here for more details and to book online »