ABCC moderates an online panel session on UAE-Brazil trading opportunities

November 12, 2020 --The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) recently took part at the virtual Logistique – Multimodal Logistics and Business Fair and Congress, which brought together key Arab and Brazilian stakeholders, experts, business executives and government authorities. The online panel session, moderated by ABCC President Rubens Hannun, was held to address key aspects of logistics, multimodal transportation and bilateral trade between Brazil and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

H.E. Saleh Alsuwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Brazil, was one of the event’s high-profile participants. He joined the President of the Federation of Industries of the State of Santa Catarina (FIESC), Mario Cezar de Aguiar, and economics journalist Cláudio Loetz in a panel session. The session was titled ‘Potential and Opportunities in Bilateral Trade Between Brazil and the UAE.’

During the discussions, the Emirati Ambassador noted that, as the UAE is a hub for Brazil in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Brazil is a hub for the UAE in Latin America. “I encourage the business community to look at the large markets around us. We could expand and make joint investments in these territories, especially in other Arab states,” Alsuwaidi said, adding that he is interested in having a more in-depth knowledge of Brazil’s southern region.

De Aguiar proposed the opening of a UAE-Santa Catarina flight through the UAE’s flag carrier Emirates. According to him, this flight could be allowed to accommodate both passengers and cargo to lay the foundation for stronger and more vibrant ties.  

Hannun pointed out the significant role that Brazil continues to play in the UAE’s economic growth and development. Brazil continues to be one of the UAE’s key economic partners, supplying the country with poultry and beef, sugar, gold, iron ore, semi-finished goods, footwear, and motors. In turn, the UAE provides Brazil with fertilizer, sulfur, diesel, iron pipes, polycarbonate fiber, and polyester fiber.

He said: “Brazil-UAE relations have become closer over the last years, driven further by important mutual visits of top-level government officials. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s visit took place almost a year ago and, since then, things have developed in a constructive way towards building key strategic partnerships between the two countries.”

The event’s conference and business fair were staged online recently, with the trade show featuring large companies and leading industry brands. The ABCC continues to maintain a strong presence in the UAE through its office in Dubai, working constantly and closely collaborating with the local government to communicate with Brazilian authorities and companies on how to secure food supply in the country during these challenging times.