São Paulo – As part of efforts to strengthen ties with Arab countries, Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East at Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) in São Paulo on Wednesday afternoon (2). He was received by the ABCC’s President William Adib Dib Jr., Treasurer Mohamad Abdouni Neto and Institutional Relations Director Fernanda Baltazar.
The ABCC presented the diplomat with Brazil-Arab trade figures, which have grown in recent years. Brazilian exports to the region rose from USD 11.47 billion in 2016 to USD 21.32 billion last year, an 85.8% increase. Meanwhile, Brazilian imports of Arab products climbed from USD 5.24 billion to USD 9.91 billion, up 89.1%. Trade declined in both directions in 2025 but resumed growth from January to July 2026.
In an interview with ANBA, Duarte highlighted the current state of Brazil-Arab relations, citing recent trade performance and diplomatic ties.
“Brazil is a country that engages in very frank dialogue with all countries, including Arab countries, some of which are facing very difficult situations at the moment. Brazil is present and stands in solidarity with them and is deeply interested in the issues affecting the region, partly because of the Arab-origin community here in Brazil,” he said.
Duarte expects Brazil’s relationship with Arab countries to expand and told ANBA that the current priority is to broaden opportunities on both sides.
“Increasing these countries’ political visibility and expanding trade opportunities are two major priorities that complement each other,” he said, citing more frequent visits by officials between Brazil and Arab countries as part of the political effort.
The ambassador’s visit to the ABCC followed the Brazil & Arab Countries Economic Forum, held by the institution on August 25, which brought together around 1,000 people, both online and in person, from about 20 countries. Speaking to ANBA about the ABCC’s role in Brazil’s relations with the Arab world, Duarte cited the forum.
“The ABCC plays a truly fundamental role in developing Brazil’s trade relations with Arab countries,” he said.
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Translated by Guilherme Miranda
