São Paulo – The 4th Economic Forum Brazil & Arab Countries featured Brazil’s vice president Hamilton Mourão in its closing panel. “The Forum highlights the legacy built over seven decades by the Arab Brazilian Chamber. And it renews our countries’ commitment to build a future of dialogue, cooperation and prosperity,” Mourão said during the event that took place Monday (4) in São Paulo.
This edition of the forum marked the 70th anniversary of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC). “Legacy & Innovation” was the theme of the event. Mourão pointed out that the discussions brought to light the need for mutually beneficial initiatives. “The breadth of the topics covered in the forum today shows growth of various sectors. Breaking into markets, investments in infrastructure and logistics, supply chain relocation, entrepreneurship and good practices,” he said.
For ambassador Osmar Chohfi, president of the ABCC, the event was very meaningful. “First because we’re celebrating 70 years fostering Brazil-Arab economic relations. Second, because we reached in 2021 a historical mark in bilateral trade between Brazil and the Arab world,” he said.
The diplomat also pointed out that the panels covered different topics. “Not only how to boost trade but also how to establish a strategic partnership. Topics such as sustainability, governance, responsibility and innovation must be discussed. Our theme is legacy – for our 70th anniversary – and innovation – as the ABCC is modernizing and reinventing itself. What we want is a growing rapprochement between Brazil and the Arab world,” Chohfi said.
This was corroborated by Khaled Hanafy, secretary-general of the Union of Arab Chambers. Also in the closing panel, Hanafy stressed that trade figures have increased but we can go further. “We must change the form of cooperation between the Arab world and Brazil. This is a strategic goal that have been discussed to change a traditional relation into a strategic relation with platforms across all regions, thus increasing the value-added trade. Commerce is but an instrument, and we want to create work opportunities, increase per capita income and real development in our countries,” he finished.
Hossam Zaki, assistant secretary-general of the Arab League was also present and stressed the importance of Brazil for the Arab world. “It is a relation that deserves the presence and representation of the Arab League to say that we have to go further. There are many things that must be done,” he said.
Zaki believes it is a strength how Brazil is able to respect the different ways that the countries present themselves on the international stage. “And I’m sure that we can build a future together. There is a very large field to be explored and other opportunities for these economic relations to be developed from both sides,” the assistant secretary-general of the Arab League said.
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.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
