Omar Nasser, from Fiep*
Curitiba – Getting to know the potentialities of the economy of the southern Brazilian state of Paraná, and showcasing the opportunities offered by the largest consumer market in the Arab world. These are the objectives of the three-day visit by the Egyptian consul, Mohamed Bakri Agami, to Curitiba (capital of Paraná). This Tuesday morning (26), he met dozens of industrialists at the offices of the Federation of Industries of the State of Paraná (Fiep). "Brazil is an important market to Egypt. We want to broaden the scope of our trade relations," he claimed.
In addition to absorbing Brazilian products and supplying raw material and manufactured goods, Egypt may also become an important platform for Brazilian exports. The statement was made by the secretary general and Foreign Trade director at the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Michel Alaby, who is accompanying the Egyptian consul in his visit to Paraná. "The aim of this event is to present Egypt as a supplier of products and services, a hub for attracting domestic market investment, and a platform for exporting Brazilian products to Africa, the Arab countries, and Europe."
Speaking on behalf of the Fiep, the manager for the Foreign Trade Council at the organisation, Ardisson Nahim Akel, highlighted the improving of economic, political, and cultural relations that took place between Brazil and the Arab world in recent years. Akel recalled that since the Summit of South American-Arab Countries, held in 2005, contacts with North African and Middle Eastern nations have become steadier. Boasting a diversified industrial base – textiles, furniture, wood, foodstuffs, vehicles, auto parts, electric household appliances, and computer items, among others – the state of Paraná is emerging as an important business option.
Business
In 2006, bilateral trade between Brazil and Egypt reached nearly US$ 1.4 billion. One of the industrial giants in the Arab world, with a population of 78 million people, the African country was the second largest destination for Brazilian exports to North African and Middle Eastern nations in the period. Last year, Brazilian foreign sales to Egypt totalled US$ 1.35 billion, a 55.42% increase over the US$ 868 million recorded in 2005.
Still, Agami believes that those figures can be further increased. Last year, Egypt only ranked 9th among the main Arab suppliers to the Brazilian market. In 2006, Brazil imported US$ 38 million from Egypt, an increase of 21.26% compared with imports in 2005, which totalled US$ 31 million. Nevertheless, this volume could be higher, judging by the potential of the local industry.
The consul called attention to the fact that, in addition to raw materials for the textile industry, namely cotton, and carpets, Egypt has much to offer in the chemical and manufacturing fields, such as plastics, fertilisers, and auto parts. The country also shows great interest in getting to know the Brazilian ethanol production technology.
Schedule
Continuing his schedule this Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by the secretary general at the Arab Brazilian Chamber and the director at the regional office of the organisation in Paraná, Kamal David Curi, the consul paid a visit to company Maringá Soldas, located in the Curitiba Industrial City (CIC). Established in 1969, the company makes cylinder heads for lorry and tractor engines. It exports to 28 countries, including Arab ones.
On Wednesday morning, Agami will visit Positivo Informática, a manufacturer of personal computers and educational software. In the afternoon, he will go to La Violetera, an import company that specializes in olive oil, dry fruit, olives, dry tomatoes, anchovies, and capers, among other foodstuffs. Established in 1928 by the Lebanese merchant Hassan Mohammad Raad, the company distributes to the entire country, and owns brands La Preferida, Mastroiani and Alto Douro.
The programme will end on Thursday morning, when the consul and his delegation will pay a visit to the Polytrade company. Also located in the CIC, it specializes in the production of industrial resins, activated carbon, and asphalt emulsifier.
*Federation of Industries of the State of Paraná. Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
