São Paulo – A group of Moroccan artisans from the cities of Fez and Marrakech travelled to São Paulo this week to promote their work and attend business meetings with potential importers. This Friday (28th), some of the delegation members visited the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce headquarters, where they were welcomed by CEO Michel Alaby. “We made several contacts throughout the week,” said Abderrahim Sain, head of the Artisan Production Support Division of the Moroccan State Secretariat for Handicraft.
The mission was composed of ten artisans who produce items such as baskets, decorated ceramic utensils, various decoration items, tiles, gypsum and other decorative facing, furniture, wooden objects, metal artefacts, clothing and carpets. “It was an initial contact with the Brazilian market, especially São Paulo’s,” said Sain. “But I believe this is the beginning of a lasting relationship between Brazil and Morocco in handicraft,” he added.
The trip of the delegation is part of a project to promote exports by small Moroccan businesses funded by the United States. According to Sain, similar visits have taken place in Moscow, Seoul, Tokyo and New York, and a mission to California will occur soon. “Handicraft accounts for most small businesses [in Morocco],” he said.
The delegation was assisted by the Brazilian Paola Saad, from the Mandala Group, a Canada-based consulting firm that focuses on business with Brazil. The schedule included meetings with importers, storeowners, architects, decorators, and visits to points of sale and business organizations. “We are convinced that there is a gateway into Brazil for Moroccan handicraft,” said Naji Fakhkhari of ceramic items company Art Naji, who also represents the Fez Chamber of Handicraft.
Sain asked whether the Arab Brazilian Chamber could arrange further meetings between Moroccan artisans and Brazilian importers in the future. The Arab Brazilian Chamber Business and Markets manager Rafael Abdulmassih responded affirmatively, because the organization holds matchmaking rounds between Arab and Brazilian businessmen on a regular basis.
Alaby also said he will sent a guidebook produced by the Arab Brazilian Chamber, containing information on how to export to the country, to the artisans and other delegates.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
