São Paulo- Next Monday (12), seminar “Market in Focus: Africa and Middle East”, will be organized in Salvador, the capital of Bahia state. The event is promoted by the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex) in partnership with the Federation of Industries of the State of Bahia (Fieb). The objective of the event is to show businessmen from Bahia the business opportunities in the region, with the objective of increasing the state’s export basket.
With regard to the Middle East, the focus of the seminar will be the markets of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Currently, these countries respectively represent the 37th and 43rd main export destinations for Bahia state. “We are going to explore opportunities for the local industry to have the Arab markets as destinations for industrialised products,” said João Ulisses Pimenta, Trade Intelligence Analyst at the Apex. “These markets are open to products with differentials,” added Pimenta, who will be one of the speakers.
Currently, the main items exported by Habia are chemical products, soy and cotton.
Pimenta explains that he recently participated in a delegation for prospection in the countries of the Gulf and that some sectors in which Brazilian companies may do business were identified. The largest sector is the food and drink sector. “These countries have great need for supply and competition is vast. We must make use of these needs and go beyond chicken and sugar (the main foods shipped to the region by Brazil),” he pointed out.
According to the Apex analyst, Brazilian businessmen should invest in export of higher value added products. “We may position ourselves as gourmet or organic product suppliers,” said the analyst. Apart from more sophisticated items, he also pointed out others, like juice, dairy, soft drinks and processed food like beef products.
“We are going to show them the possibilities there are for tropical fruit, juice, cashew nuts, and also for all sectors in which Bahia has competitive advantages,” stated Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce CEO Michel Alaby. At the event, the executive should speak about how to do business with the Arabs.
The housing and construction sectors were also identified as presenting good potential for Brazilian companies, according to the Apex. He says there is space for the sale of granite, ceramics and wooden and industrialized products.
Pimenta also mentions the possibility of doing business in the area of fashion. “We identified great opportunities in fashion, for exclusive products, with brand pricing and positioning,” he pointed out. According to him, the Arabs seek brand products with high added value. “They seek quality shoes, branded clothes, and also underwear and accessories, like different costume jewellery. It must be an exclusive product, with design and style. There is great potential for this kind of product,” he explains.
In February, the Apex should organize a trade delegation to Saudi Arabia and the Emirates.
Service
Market in Focus: Africa and Middle East
December 12th, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm
Site: Federation of Industries of the State of Bahia (FIEB)
Rua Edistio Pondé, 342 – Stiep, Salvador – Bahia
Further information: (+55 71) 3343-1327
*Translated by Mark Ament
