São Paulo – The Brazilian Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, stated this Tuesday (24) that Brazil and Islamic countries could expand their already consolidated economic relationship further. At the closing of the 2nd Global Halal Brazil Business Forum (GHB) in São Paulo, he said this expansion could occur through increased commercial exchange and investments. The GHB was held this Monday (23) and Tuesday (24) in partnership between the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) and certifier FAMBRAS Halal. Fávaro participated in the event’s closing alongside the presidents of the ABCC, Osmar Chohfi, and FAMBRAS Halal, Mohamed Zoghbi (pictured above).
Fávaro highlighted Brazil is the world’s leading supplier of halal protein (produced under the laws of Islam), and food exports from Brazil to Islamic countries represent 17% of foreign sales by Brazilian agribusiness, having grown in recent years to USD 28.3 billion in 2022. In his speech, he said the ten major agribusiness importers represent over 70% of shipments, but four products account for most of sales: sugar, grains, soybean, and poultry. Fávaro said expanding the export basket and trade is necessary, as suppliers from the Arab world have essential products for Brazilian farming.
“It is crucial to seek to expand bilateral trade, whether by opening markets or through agreements. After all, a good business relationship goes both ways, as [president] Lula says. He always says: ‘Whenever you offer Brazilian products, see what friendly countries also have to offer.’ We need to be aware of the opportunities and expand trade with Islamic countries,” said the minister, highlighting that the partnerships occur not only through exports and imports but also through investments. “The Arab world has the largest global investors, and some of them are major fertilizer suppliers. We want to expand this partnership to guarantee the supply of this input for our production,” he added.
Event Closing
In GHB’s closing speech, Chohfi recalled some of the main topics discussed over the event’s two days: “We had access to research and strategies that demonstrated the strength of halal in markets that go beyond the borders of the Arab and Islamic worlds,” he said.
He also spoke about the importance of partnerships between the private sector and government entities. “Producing halal foods appears as an excellent opportunity for most Brazilian producers. We also have growth potential in areas other than food, such as tourism,” he stated.
Zoghbi, in turn, congratulated Brazilian companies for their commitment. “Throughout my time working, I have observed the development of this sector, which makes me very proud to be Brazilian. Brazilian companies are increasingly dedicated to achieving excellence in healthy products,” he said.
In a video sent to the event, the Minister of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Mufti Mohammad Al Khalayleh, said halal influences human life both on this Earth, where it impacts health, awareness, and life of human beings, as well as in afterlife, the one we live alongside God.” The president of the Council of Religious Studies of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mufti Kamil Samigullin, recalled that in 2018, the government of Tatarstan drafted a plan for the development of the halal lifestyle, with financing from the tourism, health, media, and agricultural sectors.
The GHB was supported by the International Halal Academy, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, the Union of Arab Chambers, and the Arab League, and held in partnership with the Brazilian Federal Government, Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and ApexBrasil. Its sponsors are BRF, Marfrig, Minerva Foods, Laila Travel, Turkish Airlines, Brazilian Tourism Board (Embratur), Travel Plus, H2R Insights & Trends, World Logistic Passport (WLP), Bank ABC in Brazil, Seara, Pão & Arte, Cristal Plus, Pamunã Alimentos.
*Reporters Rebecca Vettore and Marcos Carrieri also contributed to this story
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
