São Paulo – Business organizations in 34 countries have signed this Wednesday (16) the Marrakech Declaration, whereby they support the Paris Agreement and make suggestions of policies towards its implementation. The rolling out of the treaty made last year, which has just become effective, is the central subject of COP 22, the UN climate change conference taking place this week in the ancient Moroccan city.
The Marrakech Declaration was signed during an event organized by the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), running parallel to COP 22. Michel Alaby, CEO of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, is one of the signatories. He is with the Brazilian delegation attending the conference.
According to Alaby, besides Brazil, the document has been signed on to by delegates from organizations in the United States, European Union, Japan, Canada, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, Tunisia, Uganda, South Africa etc.
The Declaration states that the private sector is making the climate issue the core of its business strategies, in line with the Paris Agreement, which sets forth greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Brazil, for example, pledged to cut emissions by 37% from 2005 levels until 2025, and by 40% until 2030.
It also ensures that the private sector “is determined” to “anticipate the effects and consequences of climate change on the structure and operation of companies, and to provide solutions,” as well as to “identify the various business opportunities related to the emergence of new green markets.”
The Declaration advises on increasing involvement from governments and businesses to strengthen the Paris Agreement, supporting countries in meeting their targets, fostering North-South and South-South cooperation to spread climate technologies, devising solid climate policies, diversifying public and financing and investment etc.
Alaby, however, noted that the measures due must not hamper trade between countries, nor should they provide a justification for protectionist measures. The document will be submitted this Thursday (17) to the organizers of COP 22.
Taxes
On Tuesday (15), Alaby sat in a meeting of Brazilian Agriculture minister Blairo Maggi and his Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch. The Arab Chamber CEO himself told the Moroccan minister that a 200% import duty is levied on Brazilian beef on entering Morocco, and a 100% duty on poultry, whereas the European Union gets charged only 20% on those same goods.
According to Alaby, the minister pledged to look into the matter, and said he will suggest that the Ministry of Army buy meats from Brazil. Armed forces imports are tax-free.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
