São Paulo – The Brazilian embassy in Morocco completed 52 years of operation in May and the relationship between the two countries is in an expansion, according to the Brazilian ambassador in the capital Rabat, Frederico Duque Estrada Meyer. In an interview with ANBA via email, he assessed the bilateral exchange and talked about the most important topics currently in the agenda.
“It’s been 52 years without any bilateral crisis. This is an important asset. We have an excellent dialogue in the multilateral environment and in the cooperation mechanisms between Brazil, Africa and the Arab countries, besides the growing trade, especially since the beginning of this century”, pointed out the diplomat.
Among the new measures, he cited the creation of a commercial sector in the embassy with the goal to expand business prospecting and to provide assistance to Brazilian businessmen in Morocco. “Agricultural machinery and equipment, meats in general, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals are some of the Brazilian high-quality products that could be offered to the Moroccan consumer”, said Meyer about business opportunities.
The ambassador also highlighted the agreements negotiations that could expand the two countries relationship to even more. “We are in discussions for an agreement for investment facilitation and cooperation and another one in the defense sector”, he said. “Also in negotiations are cooperation projects in the ports, health, culture and human rights areas, as well as partnerships between top universities”, he added. Read below the interview:
ANBA – Brazil’s embassy in Rabat turned 52 years in May. Can you, sir, list the main improvements in the relationship between the two countries?
Frederico Duque Estrada Meyer – It’s a relationship of mutual friendship and respect, based on a rich history of cultural bonds that go through the Iberian, African, Arab and Jewish heritages that we share. It’s 52 years without any bilateral crisis. This is an important asset. We have an excellent dialogue in the multilateral environment and in the cooperation mechanisms between Brazil, Africa and the Arab countries, besides the growing trade, especially since the beginning of this century.
In the last 12 years, there was a boost in Brazil’s relationships with Arab countries, and in the case of Morocco we have seen bilateral investments, official visits, launchings of direct flights, etc. Is it possible to predict any other improvement in the near future?
Yes. Several Brazilian companies, from all sizes, have been focusing Morocco, whether to invest or to make use of Moroccan suppliers, which could take the relationship to a new level. The recent creation of a Defense attaché in Rabat, living in Madri, also opens up new cooperation perspectives.
Which are the main negotiations in progress between the two countries?
We are in discussions for an agreement for investment facilitation and cooperation and another one in the defense sector. Also in negotiations are cooperation projects in the ports, health, culture and human rights areas, as well as partnerships between top universities.
One negotiation that’s stuck for quite some time is the trade agreement between Morocco and Mercosur. Any chance of resuming this process?
Morocco suspended these agreements that were in discussion to evaluate the implementation of the already existing free trade instruments, which, according to some critics, have brought damaging elements to Morocco. We need to wait this Moroccan self-evaluation moment.
There is also a proposal for an investment facilitation agreement? What is the progress? Which benefits this agreement could bring?
We will start a second round of negotiations. It’s a modern and intelligent model of agreement, which should not be confused with the old Investment Protection and Promotion Agreements, and that requires more in-depth studies by the Moroccan side.
Is there any impediment in the bilateral relationship that needs to be solved, especially from the trade viewpoint?
We have been requesting the lowering of tax rates for the meat sector (200% for beef and 100% for poultry).
What initiatives Brazil can strengthen to expand even more its relations with Morocco, also under the economic and commercial viewpoint?
The External Relations Ministry [Itamaraty] just created the Commercial Sector in the embassy in Rabat, with the appointment of a qualified local employee, to increase business prospecting and to provide assistance to Brazilian businessmen.
You believe that there are business opportunities still not fully explored? Which ones?
Yes. The infrastructure and logistics sector, in both countries, are in full development, which puts in the agenda complementarities and common challenges. Agricultural machinery and equipment, meats in general, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals are some of the Brazilian high-quality products that could be offered to the Moroccan consumer
Which is the vision of Moroccans about Brazil?
Absolutely positive. I am always welcomed with great love and regard. There’s a huge interest by Brazilian music, capoeira, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, soccer and social programs.
In which way the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce can help the work of the embassy?
The embassy is always open to cooperate with the Arab Chamber, such was the case with the recent Brazilian participation in The International Agriculture Show in Morocco in Meknes (April 28th to May 3rd), we hope to give continuity to this kind of work.
*Translated by Sérgio Kakitani
