Marina Sarruf*
São Paulo – The Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce is going to promote the participation of almost 50 Brazilian companies in the next three fairs to take place in the Arab countries: Big 5 Show, in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, turned to the construction material sector, Jewellery Arabia, in Manama, Bahrain, in the jewellery sector, and Index, in the furniture sector, also in Dubai.
According to the secretary general of the Arab Brazilian Chamber, Michel Alaby, the fairs are the easiest place for businessmen to meet and do business. Apart from that, they may also see the products offered. "Businessmen who participate in fairs have the possibility of negotiating face to face with the importer and to establish friendship relations, making long term partnerships possible," he said.
The one with the largest number of companies registered for participation is Index, whose 15th edition will take place between November 28th and December 02nd. "This is one of the most traditional fairs in the Arab Brazilian Chamber calendar," stated Alaby. The organization will be present at the fair for the seventh time. "Each year, the number of companies from different regions of the country participating in the fair rises," he added.
Brazil will have two stands with a total area of 850 square metres, almost double the area of last year. In all, 38 companies and organizations are going to be represented in this area, which is the result of joint operation between the Arab Brazilian Chamber and the Brazilian Furniture Industry Association (Abimóvel).
According to Alaby, Index is the second largest fair in the sector worldwide. The first is High Point, in the United States. To him, there is good acceptance of Brazilian furniture among the Arab countries. This is mainly due to the design and the material used, among them noble woods, MDF and chipboards, which are popular among the Arabs. "There is market for all kinds of furniture, from high quality to the more popular," he said.
Construction
Big 5 Show, to take place between November 16 and 20, is the largest fair in the construction sector in the Middle East. This year the Arab Brazilian Chamber is going to participate in the event for the fifth time. The Brazilian stand will have an area of 80 square metres and will count on the presence of seven companies and institutions: Soprano, a maker of hardware and hydraulic equipment, Braminas, which makes granite plates and blocks, Antigua, a maker of ceramic and enamelled tiles, GA Pedras, that produces quartzite and slate, Esul, a maker of wooden doors and windows, Docol, of bathroom metals, and the Brazilian Association for Dimension Stones Industry (Abirochas).
"The construction material sector is in expansion in the Arabian Gulf. Up to 2010 there is the forecast of construction of 500 buildings in the United Arab Emirates alone," stated Alaby. According to him, there are good opportunities for Brazilian companies in the sector. He also stated that in March 2006 the Arab Brazilian Chamber is going to organize a trade mission to the Gulf countries. The mission will involve various sectors, among them the civil construction material sector.
Last year, the Big 5 Show received around 34,000 inhabitants. This year over 2,000 exhibitors from 50 countries are expected. The construction sector market has a yearly turnover of US$ 16 billion in Saudi Arabia, US$ 5.2 billion in the Emirates and US$ 1 billion in Kuwait.
Brazilian jewels
Later, between November 23rd and 27th, comes Jewellery Arabia, in Bahrain. "This is more of a retail fair," stated Alaby. With the support of the Arab Brazilian Chamber, participation is organized by the Brazilian Institute of Gems and Precious Metals (IBGM). Up to now, the Brazilian stand is counting on the participation of four companies: Fiamma, Vancox, Talento and Deca Comercial.
According to Alaby, the per capita income of Bahrain is among the highest in the Arab countries, reaching US$ 14,300. "Jewels are products that greatly please Arab women," he said. "Brazil has gems that are not found in exporters that compete with the country, and the design of the jewels is another differential," he added.
*Translated by Mark Ament
