São Paulo – A delegation of representatives from the Libyan government and religious authorities has been in Brazil since November for meetings aimed at expanding trade between the two countries. During a visit to the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) in São Paulo, they said the North African nation wants to balance exports and imports between the markets, which currently favor Brazil.
According to data from Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services compiled by the ABCC, Libya was the 9th largest destination of Brazilian exports among Arab countries last year. During the period, Brazil exported USD 654.9 million to the North African nation, an increase of 45.9% compared to 2023, while imports totaled just USD 1,000, down 99% in the same comparison. The top Brazilian products exported were iron ore, poultry and beef. In the opposite direction, Brazil imported instruments for measuring liquids or gases.
According to Mohamed Gammam, an advisor at Libya’s Ministry of Economy, the North African country’s exports are highly concentrated in oil, but the goal is to diversify its shipments. “We want to balance trade with Brazil, which is still uneven. The national unity government has been working for three years to diversify the economy with support from the private sector in order to boost exports,” he said. Among the products Libya could export, he mentioned dates, olive oil and other agribusiness goods.
According to Gammam, another purpose of the visit was to organize and regulate the process of importing beef and poultry from Brazil in compliance with Libya’s national regulations. He explained that Libya has its own specifications and national standards governing the sector, which Brazilian producers are not yet fully familiar with, making alignment between the parties necessary.
In addition to visiting meatpacking plants, the Libyan Embassy in Brasília, and the ABCC, the delegation also met with institutions representing beef and poultry producers. Taking part in the meeting at the ABCC were halal certifier FAMBRAS Halal Vice President Ali Zoghbi, the Projects and Institutional Relations Director Delduque Martins, and Poultry Sector Operational Coordinator Adel Yahya.
The ABCC’S Vice President of International Relations & Secretary-General, Mohamad Orra Mourad, proposed that the members of the Libyan mission organize a Brazil–Libya business forum next year, bringing together government officials and business leaders from both countries. “It is an opportunity for them to connect,” he said.
During the meeting, professionals from the ABCC presented the product certification services offered by the institution, as well as other initiatives to promote business between Brazil and the Arab countries. In addition to Mourad, the ABCC was represented at the meeting by its board members Suzana Chohfi, William Atui, and Arthur Jafet.
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Translated by Guilherme Miranda
*Story modified on Dec. 10
