São Paulo – The Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade informed today (11th) that enrolment for the mission to the Middle East scheduled for April has been extended until Friday (19th) next week. Originally, companies interested in participating were to enrol up until today at the ministry’s missions website (www.desenvolvimento.gov.br/missoes).
In an interview to ANBA published on Monday, minister Miguel Jorge stated that he expects good business opportunities to arise for the Brazilian companies on the mission, which will travel to Iran, Egypt and Lebanon. “I believe that we have spectacular opportunities in the Arab League countries,” said he. Egypt and Lebanon are Arab nations. “We have got much of what the Arab countries need,” he added.
Sectors ascribed priority status for the trip are food and beverages, housing and construction, machinery and equipment, automobiles, infrastructure and aerospace.
Brazilian exports to the three countries that will be visited have increased in 2009, despite the international financial crisis. According to the Ministry of Development, shipments to Egypt totalled US$ 1.444 billion, representing growth of 2.5% in comparison with 2008. Sales to Lebanon totalled US$ 310.6 million, growth of 13.4%. To Iran, Brazil exported the equivalent of US$ 1.218 billion, growth of 7.5%.
The delegation is going to travel in an aircraft of the Brazilian Air Force and transportation will be available to the appointments in the mission schedule. Lodging, food and transportation expenses for private appointments will be paid for by participants. The first country to be visited will be Iran, followed by Egypt and then Lebanon.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
