São Paulo – The Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) wants to establish research ties with Brazil. With this goal, ACSAD researcher and degraded lands specialist Mohammad Alabed is in Brazil for a series of meetings and took part in the Brazil & Arab Countries Economic Forum, held by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) in São Paulo earlier this week.
Citing Brazil’s strong track record in agriculture, he told ANBA about his desire to establish ties between the country’s research agency and research centers in Arab countries.
“We can learn from each other and exchange expertise. We can develop cooperation and joint projects between Arab states and Embrapa,” Alabed said.
According to the researcher, ACSAD was established in 1968 by the League of Arab States and is headquartered in Damascus, Syria. Arab countries maintain research centers affiliated with ACSAD. The center aims to coordinate efforts to advance agricultural scientific research in arid and semi-arid areas and promote the exchange of information and expertise.
“If we establish a connection between Embrapa and ACSAD, agricultural research cooperation could work well. ACSAD focuses on agriculture. This way, we can improve agricultural productivity and the sustainable management of natural resources in both Brazil and Arab countries,” he told ANBA.
Speaking to ANBA during his participation in the Brazil & Arab Countries Economic Forum, Alabed said he believes science is key to the economy.
“I believe that since this forum is linked to the economy, we cannot forget science. We cannot sustain the economy without science, and at the same time, we cannot sustain science without the economy,” he said.
The forum, organized by the ABCC, is sponsored by Fambras Halal, International Halal Academy, Vale, DP World, Cdial Halal, First Abu Dhabi Bank, MBRF Global Foods Company, Qatar Airways and MZAH Group Investment. Institutional supporters include the Arab League, the Union of Arab Chambers and the Federation of Industries of the State of Bahia. Cacilda Aragão Tours is a partner.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
