São Paulo – Pride in the Brazilian production, the investments and the capacity of delivering “very high quality” halal goods was part of the statement that Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (pictured) made at the opening of the 2nd Global Halal Brazil Forum on Monday (23) in São Paulo. Lula sent a letter for the opening that was read by Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) president Osmar Chohfi. GHB is held by the ABCC and certifier FAMBRAS Halal.
Lula highlighted that in 2022 only Brazil shipped USD 17.74 billion worth of goods to Arab League states in a trade balance that surpassed USD 32.7 billion. “These figures reflect not only the trust of the Arab countries in the quality of Brazilian goods but also our ability to meet the demands of such a vibrant market,” said Lula.
The President pointed out that Brazil has the “vocation” to provide Muslims “very high-quality” halal goods and mentioned the Halal do Brasil project, a partnership between the ABCC and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) tht holds training and certification actions and promotion Brazilian halal products overseas. “We expect this will encourage businesspeople to explore higher value-added halal segments like cosmetics, medicines, clothing items, and processed foods,” he said. During the holding of the GHB, attending companies have the opportunity to exhibit their halal products.
Brazil’s Vice President and Development, Industry, Trade & Services minister Geraldo Alckmin pointed out in a video message recorded especially for the GHB that Brazil-Arab ties gained strength in the previous Lula administrations (2003-2006 and 2007-2010). In his first two terms as president, Lula traveled to countries in the Middle East and North Africa as well as Asian and African states that are major consumers of halal goods.
Both Alckmin and Lula stressed the fact that Brazil is home to over 11 million Arab immigrants and descendants. Alckmin, who’s himself a Lebanese descendant, pointed out that there’s a sound relationship between Brazil and Arab nations that is “guided by mutual gains and respect.” The Vice President added that Brazil has investment facilitation agreements with Morocco and the United Arab Emirates and said that the halal production cuts environmental impacts and incorporates ethical and social responsibility standards across its production chain. “Disseminating the halal practices is strengthening our economies with innovation, sustainability and inclusion.”
Also in video, Brazil’s Foreign Affairs minister Mauro Vieira said that the fact that Brazil is the largest halal exporter is a source of pride for the government. “First because it is proof of the strength of our trade ties but also – and perhaps most importantly – that the cultural and human rapprochement effort held by the Brazilian diplomacy decades ago has borne fruit in the present,” he said.
“As we know, the halal culture isn’t limited to food. There’s a whole universe of goods and services that we should explore. I’d like to highlight cosmetics and fashion, both of which hold a great growth potential in Muslim countries,” he finished. Vieira also gave a message to the forum attendees saying that they can rely on the “relentless work of the Foreign Ministry to foster human, cultural and trade ties between Brazil and its partners across the Arab and Muslim world.”
The GHB is supported by the International Halal Academy, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, the Union of Arab Chambers, and the Arab League, and it’s held in partnership with the Brazilian Federal Government, Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and ApexBrasil.
Its sponsors are BRF, Marfrig, Minerva Foods, Laila Travel, Turkish Airlines, Brazilian Tourism Board (Embratur), Travel Plus, H2R Insights & Trends, World Logistic Passport (WLP), Bank ABC in Brazil, Seara, Pão & Arte, Cristal Plus, Pamunã Alimentos.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
