Alexandre Rocha*
São Paulo – The Joint Arab-Foreign Chambers of Commerce started discussing yesterday night (03), on the first day of their annual meeting, the possibility of joint work. One of the themes covered was the organization of an economic and trade forum between the Arab countries, nations in the Americans and Australia.
As was discussed, two conferences may be organized: one on the American continent, probably in Brazil, and another in Australia. "The idea is to discuss economics, trade, investment and technology transfer," said the secretary general of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, who is in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, participating in the meeting of chambers of commerce, over the telephone.
The proposal, according to Alaby, was presented by the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for Arab Countries. Another theme discussed yesterday was the organization of an Arab-European forum in Paris at the end of the month.
"We also discussed the part of Arab chambers in the development of trade and of investment in the Arab countries, especially in Saudi Arabia," said Alaby. The meeting in Riyadh, which ends on Friday, is sponsored by the Council of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Saudi Arabia.
According to Alaby, another theme discussed at the meeting yesterday was the organization, in the second half of the year, of a meeting, in Brazil, of representatives of the General Union and of the Arab Brazilian Chamber. "The idea is to discuss our activities and talk about proposals to further expand our operations," stated Alaby.
The meeting yesterday included Alaby, the secretary general of the General Union, Elias Ghantous, representatives of Arab Chambers in the United States, Malta, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, England, the Czech Republic, France, Australia, Argentina, Austria, Belgium and of the Council of Saudi Chambers.
Today the Arab Brazilian Chamber is going present a series of proposals for the development of trade and of joint projects between the Arab and South American countries.
*Translated by Mark Ament
