São Paulo – The Economic Forum Brazil & Arab Countries, which took place last Monday (4), brought together notable players in the relationship between the two regions. From diplomats and state authorities to entity heads, entrepreneurs and executives met face-to-face at the Renaissance Hotel, where the event took place, or over the internet.
Around 3,000 people participated in total, according to information from the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), which held the event. Across the forum spaces at the venue, it was possible to find representatives from sponsoring companies with their booths for Brazilians who aim to trade with Arabs or Arabs seeking investment and goods from Brazil.
Lassus Design Brands partner Luciana Pitanga (opening picture) was one of those who attended the forum in-person. Headquartered in São Paulo, the fashion sales company partners with Brazilian women’s clothing and accessories brands and sells to Arabs through its branch in Dubai. “Among the countries we serve are the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, and they welcome everything with Brazilian DNA very well.” According to Pitanga, the forum was vital for getting to know logistics and technology companies, learning more about market data, and the economic trends in Arab countries.
Modern Living CEO Thiago Caldas was also at the Renaissance Hotel to follow the discussions and networking. The company was one of the event’s sponsors and specializes in real estate. For the ANBA team, Caldas also told about Modern Work’s business — coworking spaces in Dubai — and prospects for the two companies. “Brazilians are very well regarded abroad, especially among the Arabs, and we are fascinated about their culture, and they’re on ours,” he said.
The CEO of FVF Exports Company, Fabricio Vieira, also attended the forum. He operates with agribusiness, purchase, and shipment of products such as animal protein, sugar, soybean, and maize to Arab partners. “This event anticipates what our future will look like.” The CEO also commented on the commercial prospect of the Brazil-Arab countries’ relationship. “It is a growing business, we have to trim some edges, but they are very good people to deal with.”
Renato Aureliano, CEO of Travel Plus, a company specializing in corporate travel, stated the trade relationship between Brazil and the Arab countries still has much room to grow. “My medium-term plan is to set up a Travel Plus branch in Dubai, a growing market. If you go to Dubai today and come back two years from now, it is another city.” Travel Plus was an event sponsor.
The business director of Afro Invest and Tropicool, Rafael Prado, has a strong presence in the Arab countries and recognizes the importance of trade between Brazilian companies and Arab countries. “From the trade exchange standpoint, Arab countries are a terrific opportunity, not only for exports, but also investments, and for our business, it is a very strategic destination. Two and a half years ago, Tropicool opened its first store in Dubai; today, we have 55 points of sale in the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.” At the forum, the business director met with other participants, discussed investments, and outlined new deals. Afro Invest was a forum sponsor.
The Economic Forum Brazil & Arab Countries is held by the ABCC in partnership with the Union of Arab Chambers, supported by the League of Arab States and sponsored by Travel Plus, Brazil Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), Fambras Halal, Embraer, Itaipu Technology Park, Pantanal Trading, Embratur, Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), Cdial Halal, Modern Living, BRF, Egyzone/Am Development, Antika/Openet BV, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Egyptian Financial & Industrial Co. (EFIC), Suez Company for Fertilizers Production (SCFP), Boa Esperança Agriculture Cooperative (CAPEBE), Prima Foods, and Afrinvest.
Here’s more on the Economic Forum Brazil & Arab Countries.
Special report by Rebecca Vettore for ANBA.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
