Abu Dhabi – A delegation of São Paulo state businessmen, led by governor José Serra, was in the capital of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday (26), to present investment opportunities in the state. The main sectors presented were infrastructure, food and energy. "Coming to Abu Dhabi is an opportunity to improve relations between both regions," said the governor.
The seminar that brought together over 50 Arab and Brazilian businessmen was organized by the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp) with the support of several Brazilian organisations. "The event was very important to bring Brazil to the attention of the Arabs, who know very little about the country. I think the country surprises with its figures, with the size of some areas, mainly agribusiness, in the production of food and energy, and in investment in infrastructure," said the director of the International Relations and Foreign Trade Department at the Fiesp, Roberto Gianetti.
According to him, the seminar generated much interest, good expectations and a desire to visit Brazil. "They [the Arabs] are seeking alternative investment, they do not want to invest all their funds in the United States and Europe. And Brazil presents in São Paulo investment opportunities that are interesting, with high rates of return, safety and liberty for inflow and outflow of capitals," said Gianetti, recalling that last year the country received US$ 45 billion in foreign direct investment.
During their presentations, the speakers showed the potential of the state of São Paulo, which has a population of 41.5 million inhabitants, is responsible for 23% of the Gross Domestic Product of Brazil, 40% of the industrial production, 22% of Brazilian imports and 45% of the exports to the Mercosur, the economic bloc that includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. "São Paulo is the financial centre in the country," said Serra.
According to him, the country has 12 million Arabs and descendants, most of whom live in São Paulo. "We must increase the contact between Brazil and the United Arab Emirates to know each other better. I hope to see you in São Paulo so that we may discuss your interests better," said the governor.
In the area of energy, Gianetti defended Brazilian ethanol, saying that there are many opportunities in this sector for investment. "Ethanol does not compete with oil, it is complementary to petroleum," he said. The director also stated that Brazil has 45.8% of the renewable energy market and that, apart from ethanol, the country also has experience in solar and wind energy. "Today, over 90% of the cars sold in Brazil are flexible fuel, and consumers no longer want cars only fuelled by petrol," he added.
In the food sector, the speakers also recalled the 200 million heads of cattle that the country has, the 200 million tonnes of meat exported each year, the great capacity of the farmland and the companies and technical institutes for improvement of agriculture.
The Development secretary and former governor of the state of São Paulo, Geraldo Alckmin, told businessmen of the great infrastructure projects of the state, that should receive investment of over US$ 4 billion. "The United Arab Emirates are a gateway into the Middle East and the interest of São Paulo is to try to open new markets," he said. Alckmin also spoke about the experience of São Paulo in the infrastructure sector. "We have been tendering highways in the state for 10 years and they are a great success, and now we are showing new models of highway concessions, including the ring road, more metro, airports and terminals in São Sebastião Port," he said.
Alckmin added that the state is the world’s main exporter of alcohol. "Polyducts are also important areas in which to invest in infrastructure," he finished off.
*Translated by Mark Ament
