São Paulo – The participation of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce in the discussions at AIM Congress, a global investment forum held in the United Arab Emirates, was marked by its advocacy of the digitalization of international trade. Speaking at the Heads of Chambers’ Roundtable, a forum for chambers of commerce, the director of the Arab-Brazilian Chamber’s Dubai Office, Rafael Solimeo, presented an initiative by the institution to modernize the export process and highlighted the importance of technology in the sector.
The overall theme of the discussion was “Chambers in the Age of Technology,” focusing on how chambers of commerce should evolve in response to digital transformation, new technologies and the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda. Solimeo argued that the digitalization of trade and certificates of origin can help reduce bureaucracy and make trade operations between Brazil and Arab countries faster, safer and more efficient.
He presented the Ellos platform, created by the Arab Chamber and currently used in trade transactions with Jordan. The platform was developed by the institution to digitalize trade between Brazil and Arab countries and includes the Easy Trade module, through which certificates of origin are issued and export documents are certified electronically. The institution is working to expand its use to other Arab countries that trade with Brazil.
Solimeo also spoke about sustainability and ESG, arguing that new environmental requirements should not become non-tariff barriers, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Among other issues, he highlighted the role of chambers in the internationalization of smaller companies and in connecting Brazilian companies with buyers in the Gulf, North Africa and the Levant. He also called for greater integration between Latin America and the Arab world, including through stronger cooperation among chambers of commerce.
“Participating in AIM means bringing Brazil and the Brazil–Arab world relationship into a truly global discussion. My message was very practical: chambers need to keep pace with this transformation, using technology to reduce bureaucracy, facilitate trade and bring markets closer together. Ellos is a concrete example: we are already digitally connected with Jordan and want to expand this model to other countries,” Solimeo told ANBA.
In addition to discussions on topics such as international investment, emerging markets, digital transformation, sustainability, innovation and partnerships, AIM featured other activities, including awards, agreement signings and an exhibition area. The Arab Chamber Office team visited the exhibition to establish contacts and build relationships. At AIM, Solimeo had the opportunity to meet Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, who officially opened AIM Congress 2026.
The 15th AIM took place from September 7 to 9 at Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together around 25,000 participants from 191 countries. The event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, under the theme “Reimagining Global Prosperity: Unlocking New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future.”
Other officials were also present, including UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade and AIM chairman Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, who was the guest of honor. Among the prominent business figures in attendance were Emaar Properties founder Mohamed Alabbar and Lulu Group International chairman Yusuff Ali M.A.
Translated by AI
