São Paulo – Apart from other fiscal attractions, another differential calls the attention of Brazilian companies interested in investing in the Arab nations: free zones. They are in countries like Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Sudan and Syria, for example. And they are useful for industries that should sell their produce there.
According to the Market Development manager at Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Rodrigo Solano, Jebel Ali Free Zone, in the Emirates, offer facilities like 100% property and foreign control, guarantee of tax exemption renewable every 15 years, no customs fees, flexible investment options, good distribution systems and administrative support.
In Egypt, where there are six free zones, there is liberty for transfer of capital and profit, price establishment, free access to markets that trade with the country and unlimited investment values, among other points.
Is there interest in Syria? There, the points of free trade are in Dar’a, Adra, Aleppo, at Damascus International Airport and at the ports of Latakia and Tartus. In Sudan, in turn, there are two free zones: Suakin and Aljaily, both offering incentives like no income tax for companies for 12 years, without exchange and visa restrictions.
Interested in investing in the Middle East? The Arab Brazilian Chamber has material about the possible routes it makes available to entrepreneurs at the Knowledge Space, located at its headquarters, in São Paulo. Further information may be found at (+55 11) 3147-4114.
*Translated by Mark Ament
