São Paulo – Large global food producers are working now to take on tomorrow’s challenges: Feeding a world population of almost 10 billion by 2050 with sustainability and respect for the environment. Moderated by Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) director Claudia Yazigi Haddad, the CEO Talk themed “Food Security: A Strategic Partnership between Brazil and the Arab Countries” was held on Wednesday (21) as part of ABCC’s Economic Forum Brazil & Arab Countries. The CEOs of major companies from Brazil and the Arab world highlighted what they have done to assure that everyone have access to foods without destroying their source: nature.
JBS Global CEO Gilberto Tomazoni said his company is concerned with its environmental footprint and announced last September a fund of up to BRL 1 billion (USD 179 million) to support local producers, the conservation of the Amazon forest, and innovation through the project Together for the Amazon. Moreover, he pointed out that the Arab countries are increasingly important for the company’s business.
“The Arab market is key. We now export USD 13.7 billion a year to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which accounts for 13% of our exports. It’s a relevant, important, ever-growing region. We are very carefully considering developing a production plant in the region,” Tomazoni said.
Bayer Brazil CEO Marc Reichardt said that his company is also aware of the challenges of meeting the demands for food of an ever-growing population as the need for conservation increases, too. “I stress the role of innovation, sustainability and inter-sector collaboration for the change,” he said.
He pointed out his company aims at cutting to zero the greenhouse gases in its facilities, supporting this reduction along the supply chain, supporting 100 million of small farmers and rewarding farmers that cut their greenhouse gases to zero as well.
In turn, Muhammad Chbib, CEO at Tradeling, an Emirati company that connects food producers and distributors, said that, during the worst periods of the pandemic, his company worked to ensure a food and beverage flow to the Arab countries that couldn’t secure their supply. “We make it possible for domestic and foreign companies and consumers to assure that the production chain work by using the technology,” he said.
The ABCC hosts the virtual event in partnership with the Union of Arab Chambers and the Arab League.
Check out the full coverage on ANBA.
Special report by Marcos Carrieri for ANBA
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
