Doha – The Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said today (15th), at the closing of the Brazil-Qatar business seminar, in Doha, that both countries are in the most favourable moment to developing bilateral business. “Despite our cultural differences and distinct histories, I am certain that the outlook for our economic and commercial relations has never been so good,” he stated.
Lula underscored that both countries have exited the international financial crisis stronger than before, and have good growth prospects for the coming years. In that respect, the Qatari prime minister, Hamad Bin Jassem Al Thani, claimed that the country’s budget for the 2011/2012 biennium “will be the highest ever.”
The Brazilian president added that Brazil expects to generate 2.5 million new jobs in 2010 and that the economy “will grow sustainably.” Lula declared that Brazil’s resilience to the crisis proved that the country’s strategy of diversifying its trade partnerships was successful. The establishment of closer ties with the Middle Eastern nations is in keeping with that logic, according to him.
Lula highlighted the fact that trade between Brazil and Qatar increased tenfold from 2003 to 2008, but that “in order to keep that pace, diversification will be needed, by means of production-oriented partnerships in strategic fields.”
He stated that “possibilities are already being looked into in high value-added industries such as machinery, electronic devices, and automobiles.” According to Lula, Qatar is already familiar, for instance, with the potential of the Brazilian aeronautical industry, as military pilots in the country receive training in Supertucano aircraft, manufactured by Embraer.
To the president, Brazil may be a gateway for Qatar to enter South America, and vice versa. “You, businessmen, play a crucial role in this strategic alliance that we want to build, and will build,” he claimed.
Lula said that the governments are already doing their share by “building trust” among the two countries. He also called attention to the fact that Qatar Airways inaugurated a direct flight between Doha and São Paulo in June. “We have no reason not to invest in entrepreneurial contacts and tourist flow among the two countries,” said he. The Qatari prime minister added that there are “great opportunities for building a strategy [of economic partnership] on very solid foundations.”
The seminar was organized by the two governments, the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA). “We are certain that through the efforts of our governments, alongside the private sector and with support from the Arab Brazilian Chamber, we will realize the full potential of our relations,” stated the president of the Chamber, Salim Taufic Schahin.
Politics
After the business meeting, Lula was welcomed by the emir Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani at his palace (Amiri Diwan), in Doha. The two heads of state met and spent most of the time discussing the region’s political affairs. On Sunday, Lula will go to Iran to address, among other matters, the country’s nuclear program.
The two countries also signed agreements for culture, sports, tourism and communications. Partnerships were also established between the Arab Brazilian Chamber, the QBA, and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Before leaving the country, this evening, Lula will watch the first half of the final match of the Emir’s Cup, which is the local football championship. The match will be Umm Salal versus Al Rayyan. The latter is coached by the Brazilian Paulo Autuori.
During the business meeting, Lula underscored that Qatar is a bidder to host the FIFA World Cup 2022. The bid was submitted yesterday to the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa). “Count on Brazil for this endeavour,” stated the president.
* Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
