FUNCEX is a private non-profit organization. Founded on March 12th, 1976, FUNCEX was co-founded by Mário Henrique Simonsen, the finance minister at the time, Nestor Jost, president of Banco do Brasil, and Benedicto Fonseca Moreira, former foreign trade director of Banco do Brasil. FUNCEX focuses on research, investigation and consulting. It contributes to promoting negotiations  on issues related to foreign trade development, builds bridges between the public and private sectors, and seeks governmental and social support for the ideas and projects that boost national exports. As a private non-profit organization, FUNCEX mainly relies on its operating income and donations from private sectors that recognize the importance of foreign trade to Brazil’s economic development.