São Paulo- Twenty four representatives of chambers of commerce from Europe, Australia, Brazil and Arab countries met yesterday (26th), in Beirut, Lebanon, to discuss measures aimed at increasing international trade between those countries.
According to Michel Alaby, the secretary general of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, topics under discussion included means for increasing the participation of businessmen in the activities of chambers of commerce; encouraging the promotion of Arab investment, exports, and the tourist industry; and elaborating the statute of the yet-to-be-established Federation of Arab-South American Chambers of Commerce.
“We mentioned that the Arab Brazilian Chamber has several business councils in effect, and promotes meetings in Brazil and the Arab countries in order to develop business such as trade, investment and tourism, in addition to encouraging technology transfer among companies,” Alaby told ANBA.
Regarding the establishment of the Federation of Arab-South American Chambers of Commerce, Alaby stated that the statute is already being elaborated, and should be submitted for approval by the General Union of Arab Chambers of Commerce.
"The intention is to promote the establishment of the Arab Chambers of Commerce in South American countries. There already is one in Argentina, but we want to develop our experience in other countries."
According to the secretary general, Brazil has reiterated its willingness to host the next annual coordination meeting of the Union of Joint Chambers and Arab Chambers in Brazil, due 2011. Alaby stated that Union representatives have committed to reviewing the Brazilian proposal.
Today and tomorrow, Alaby will also attend the Seminar on Incentives to Foreign Investment in the Arab Countries and Incentives to Arab Exports.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
