São Paulo – The Ministry of Agriculture, with the support of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, has opened registration for Brazilian companies interested in participating in the Saudi Agro-Food fair, to take place from October 4th to 7th, in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. The Brazilian pavilion, to cover 135 square meters, is organized by Conceito Brazil, the company representing the event.
This is the second time that Conceito Brazil organises a Brazilian pavilion at the fair. Last year, 16 companies participated in the event. "This is a fair for equipment for production of food, like packages, mixes and ingredients. It is a good opportunity for Brazilian companies," said the secretary general at the Arab Brazilian Chamber, Michel Alaby.
According to him, the focus of the fair is not so much on processed foods, but more on agricultural inputs and machinery. However, some Brazilian companies in the chicken, beef and dairy sectors have already registered for participation. Alaby believes that it would be interesting to promote an event in the sidelines of the fair, where the phases of the Brazilian productive chain could be explained.
According to figures disclosed by the Ministry of Agriculture, among the Arab nations, Saudi Arabia is the main market for Brazil. Exports to the Arab country in the first six months of the year totalled US$ 1.6 billion, expansion of 41% over the same period last year. Agricultural sales to Saudi Arabia alone grew 17%. The main agricultural products shipped were chicken, beef, sugar, soy and maize.
Saudi Arabia
The Arab country is the world’s main exporter of oil and also has the largest volume of reserves. With a population of over 25 million inhabitants, growing at an average 3% a year, the demand for food is also on the rise.
Last year, Saudi Arabia imported over US$ 17.4 billion in food and agricultural products, growth of 16% over 2008. Currently, imports of foods and agricultural products represent 15% of the total imported by the country. According to figures disclosed on the fair site, the food and agricultural product sector is the fourth main importer in the country.
Companies interested in participating in Saudi Agro-Food should get in contact with the Foreign Trade department at the Arab Brazilian Chamber.
Contact
Foreign Trade Department at the Arab Brazilian Chamber
Tel: (+55 11) 3147-4093 (with Frederico Pucci)
Email: Frederico@ccab.org.br
*Translated by Mark Ament
