São Paulo – The Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce is inviting its member companies for a breakfast on the 15th where it will outline its action plan for 2017. Also to be featured are lectures on the Brazilian and world economies, an overview of Arab economies, and information regarding a mission to North Africa.
Arab Chamber president Rubens Hannun will present the activities in the plans for this year. Octavio de Barros, who had a 15-year stint as economist-in-chief with Bradesco, will speak on the Brazilian and world economies. The Chamber’s CEO Michel Alaby will expound on Arab economies to the business owners and executives in attendance.
“I will go over the economic scenario in Arab countries, GDP growth outlooks, the projects in the pipeline, and the demand for some products in Arab countries. I will also address the fact that our members can incorporate these demands into their business strategies,” said Alaby.
According to the CEO, some of the Arab countries will see strong growth this year, Egypt included. “Due to the discovery of new gas reserves, to the new Suez Port, and to a trend towards growth in the textile, petrochemicals, and fertilizer industries, as well as exports to Europe, Russia, China, and Iran,” he pointed out.
Alaby went on to mention other Arab countries poised to make the news in 2017. “Growth in Qatar is primarily a consequence of works leading to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and in Algeria, to the building industry. The country has a housing deficit of at least 4 million units,” he said, adding that the Algerian petrochemical industry is also in for a good year.
Libya, which has struggled with recession since 2013, should see its first year of growth, with GDP seen going up 13.7%. “Libya shrank by nearly 50% in the past few years. There is pent-up demand for foodstuffs,” said Alaby.
For businesses looking to set foot in a country in North Africa or the Middle East, Alaby remarks that there are options other than the United Arab Emirates, a go-to place for Brazilians. “Egypt, Qatar and Lebanon are good places for business to go to,” he said.
He added that in 2017, the Chamber will continue to provide full support to its members in doing business with Arab countries, and that they can join the Chamber in international trade shows and missions, as well as rely on the organization to schedule business trips or to get visas.
Quick facts
Breakfast with the Members
February 15, 8:30 am
Local: Câmara de Comércio Árabe Brasileira
Avenida Paulista, 326, 11th floor
Registration: http://bit.ly/2lmWSy3
For additional information please call +55 11 3147-4131 or write to members@ccab.org.br
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
