São Paulo – Ceramic tile manufacturing company Gail plans on increasing its exports by 2016 and is betting on sales to Arab countries to meet the target. In November, the company participated in the Big 5 civil construction exhibition, in Dubai, where it even struck a deal with Lebanon. Now, Gail is getting ready to become a member of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and seek more clients in the region.
According to the general manager for Exports at Gail, Marcus Amato, new deals should come to fruition soon as a result of contacts made at the event in Dubai. “It was a good exhibition, which allowed us to get in touch with visitors from countries in the Middle East, but also in Africa, such as Tanzania and Ghana. The Brazilian stand was better located this year than in past editions,” he said.
The Big 5 took place from November 17th to 20th and the Brazilian stand, located in the ornamental stones and ceramic tiles pavilion, was organized in partnership by the Arab Chamber and the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil). According to Amato, contacts with Qatari companies should lead to deals being closed soon.
These companies, as well as the buyer from Lebanon, are looking for a specific type of flooring. The Lebanese buyer needs material for a dairy company. The clients in Qatar need high-performance tiles for pools. Potential Qatari buyers have also requested quotations for interior tiles, Amato said.
Higher exports
Presently, from 10% to 15% of the company’s revenues originate from foreign sales. The goal is to have exports account for 20% of revenues in 2015 and 30% in 2016. Currently, the leading destinations are the Americas and Africa, but according to Amato, sales to the Middle East have the potential to grow. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are some of the countries where there is a demand for Gail’s products.
In line with its strategy to step up exports to Arab countries, the company should become a member of the Arab Chamber soon. “We need support and information in some areas, and we believe the Chamber can assist us,” he said.
Contact:
Gail
Website: www.gail.com.br
Telephone: +55 (11) 24223-2642
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
