São Paulo – How is the market in Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab countries? Four Brazilian businesswomen shared their experiences negotiating in these and other Arab countries at an event that brought together around 200 participants, mostly women, this Wednesday morning (31) at the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC). Pictured above (left to right) Alessandra Stefani, Luiza Trajano, Claudia Yazigi (moderator), Helena Araújo, and Maria Prado.
The export manager of the electric shower manufacturer FAME, Maria Prado, told a little about her experience in Sudan, an Arab country in North Africa. She informed few people know, but the electric shower is a Brazilian invention, and it is the cheapest water heating system in the world.
“Today, in São Paulo, it is possible to buy an electric shower cheaper than a pizza. Therefore, our company’s focus today is on African markets. In Sudan, I had an incredible experience, both personally and professionally. When exporting, it is necessary to have the courage to learn and break prejudices. I felt very comfortable in Sudan, and I believe getting to know other cultures oxygenates our perception,” said Prado.
The FAME manager said the main challenge when working with African countries is distance and logistics. “Sometimes, the product takes 90 days to arrive; the buyer doesn’t have credit and has to pay in advance. That’s why we set up a distribution center in Dubai [UAE], it’s still something new, but we’re already exporting from there to African countries. Dubai also offers several facilities in terms of banking; they are big traders,” she said.
She informed the company exports electric showers to over 40 countries, and she has had professional experience in more than 60. “Learning and respecting different cultures is paramount. In addition, exports from Brazil are greatly encouraged, receiving support from ApexBrasil and sector entities. Seek help, knowledge, and respect the culture,” advised Prado to the businesswomen at the event. ApexBrasil is the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency.
The executive manager of Governmental and Institutional Relations of BRF, Helena Araújo, said the food giant exports to over ten Arab countries; the first Brazilian company to export to Arabs in 1979. She informed Brazil is the biggest halal poultry exporter and is known for its quality. “There is a huge growth potential for this region. I think we have a lot of influence from the Arabs here in Brazil, with the Arab communities. In Saudi Arabia, which has such a different culture, I learned for the Arabs, what you say is agreed upon. They put a lot of trust in the spoken word,” she said.
The CEO of defense products company Mac Jee, Alessandra Stefani, said she has been at the head of the company for two years and has business with Saudi Arabia. “The Middle East is one of the most critical places for our company, and we are participating in regional defense shows. For me, everything has been very different and a great challenge,” she said.
Although Stefani has not yet had the opportunity to visit Saudi Arabia, she said she has already received Arab delegations, and the ABCC has already given employees a course on Arab culture. “Today, we have an ablution room and a prayer room in the company,” she said, referring to the prayers that Muslims do throughout the day. “Today, we have a significant project with Saudi Arabia; we sell explosive materials and aerial ammunition. I believe they see Brazil as a friendly country and great partner,” she declared.
“In the corporate world, there’s nothing a woman can’t do. I see a lot of courage and resilience in women in leadership, and in this moment of the pandemic we live in, it is very important. I don’t see a woman giving up anything,” Stefani said.
The board chair of retail chain Magazine Luiza and Women of Brazil Group [Grupo Mulheres do Brasil], Luiza Trajano, was the event’s main guest.
Read also on the event:
- Luiza Trajano shares life story at Arab Brazilian Chamber
- Women of Brazil Group creates branch in Dubai
The roundtable “Female entrepreneurship experiences in the Arab world” was an initiative of the WAHI – Women who Inspire – committee of the ABCC and Women of Brazil Group. ABCC president Osmar Chohfi opened the event. “It is important to celebrate the tremendous civilizational advance represented by the increasing participation and contribution of women in all fields of human activity, to whom they bring inherent qualities of creation, talent, creativity, combining capacity for initiative and an acute sensitivity to social issues. The expansion of female leadership in Brazil and the Arab world in strategic decision-making in international corporations and governments is remarkable,” she said.
The New Business director of the ABCC, Daniella Leite, quickly presented the organization’s services and made herself available to the businesswomen attending.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
