Marina Sarruf*
São Paulo – The Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (CCAB) and the Science, Technology, Economic Development and Tourism Secretariat of the State of São Paulo are, for the first time, going to take companies from the state to one of the most important fairs in the hotel sector in the United Arab Emirates. The event is the Hotel Show, which will take place between May 22 and 24.
This will be the first activity of the partnership between the CCAB and the state government, and the objective is to strengthen economic and commercial ties between São Paulo and the Arab countries. "We hope that from this partnership a cooperation accord may rise for the organization of other events in the Arab countries," stated Antonio Sarkis Jr., president of the CCAB.
According to Aline Cardoso, foreign relations and trade advisor at the secretariat, the idea is to take 10 companies from the state to the fair. "The companies will go at no cost, making it possible for companies that do not have sufficient funds to go," she stated.
The Brazilian space will have an area of 72 square metres at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. The secretariat intends to take companies from the sectors of machinery and equipment for hotels, decoration, bed, table and bath equipment, and services, such as software. "We know that there is a lot of space for this sector in the Emirates. There are many hotels being built in the region and there is lack of suppliers," stated Aline.
Last year, exports from the state of São Paulo to the Arab countries totalled US$ 1.7 billion, which represented a growth of 57% when compared to 2003. "With initiatives in partnership with the Chamber, we intend to further increase sales. The potential of the Arab countries is very significant," stated Aline.
Apart from the fair, the organizations are also planning other events to stimulate trade relations, among them seminars and workshops in the areas of trade, industry and agriculture, in São Paulo, in parallel to the Summit of South American and Arab Countries, scheduled for May, in Brazilian capital Brasília.
Hotel Show
Last year the Hotel Show counted on the participation of 306 companies from 33 countries. From the Emirates alone there were nine pavilions. A total of 5,640 visitors showed up, 14% more than in 2003, according to information on the official site of the fair.
According to the site, the growth of business and tourism destinations in the Arabian Gulf has been causing an increase in the need for professionals, products and services turned to the hotel sector. The number of hotels in the region rose from 978 in 2001 to 1,391 in 2003. With regard to the number of rooms, there was a 212% growth in the same period.
In Dubai alone there are plans for construction of another 150 hotels, totalling around 55,000 new rooms in the next five years. The number of visitors in the emirate should reach 15 million in 2005.
*Translated by Mark Ament
