São Paulo – With seminar "How to Negotiate with Egypt", presented yesterday (9th), in Belo Horizonte, by the commercial consul of Egypt to São Paulo, Mahmoud Mazhar, businessmen from Minas were able to learn about opportunities in the market.
The event, organized by the Federation of Industries of the State of Minas Gerais (Fiemg) in partnership with the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and with the Consulate General of Egypt, brought together 20 companies.
"Today we must bring the industries of Minas closer to other countries. Despite the difficulties, it is necessary to open new market niches," stated the Development superintendent at the Fiemg, Carlos Eduardo Abijaodi. According to him, the organisation has been trying to bring countries that presented growth to trade with Brazil. "Egypt is one of them," he added.
From January to August, Brazilian exports to Egypt totalled US$ 959.89 million, growth of 10.4% over the same period last year. According to the superintendent, sales from the state to the Arab country presented growth, but Egypt is a potential market for industries from Minas.
To show this potential, the consul presented to businessmen economic figures for the country, showed the investment incentives and the ease for using Egypt as an export platform, as the country has several commercial agreements with African and European countries. Mazhar also spoke about the investment opportunities in the tourism, textile, fertilizer, gas, oil and petrochemical sectors.
The consul gave examples of Brazilian companies present in the Egyptian market and mentioned the joint venture established by the Egyptian Electrometer, a maker of electric energy meters, with company Damp Electric, from Minas Gerais, which is specialized in engineering and electric projects. Electrometer Brazil, headquartered in Sabará, received investment of around US$ 5 million and should be visited by Mazhar and by the secretary general at the Arab Brazilian Chamber, Michel Alaby, who also participated in the Fiemg seminar.
According to Alaby, yesterday afternoon, the consul had 15 meetings with businessmen interested in learning more about the business possibilities in areas like textile, software, fashion and tourism, as well as disposable products for the medical and hospital sectors and information technology. "The meetings were useful. The consul was very pleased," said Alaby.
Trade with Minas Gerais
Exports from Minas Gerais to Egypt, from January to August, totalled US$ 29.5 million, a 31% reduction when compared to the same period last year. Sugar, meats, soy, iron and coffee were the main products shipped to the Arab country.
According to the superintendent at Fiemg, the state has great potential to increase exports in the food sector. "We already export much meat and the food sector has a great future," said Abijaodi, who is also betting on the fashion, cosmetics, jewellery and costume jewellery sectors.
*Translated by Mark Ament
