Omar Nasser, from Fiep*
Curitiba – The Federation of Industries of the State of Paraná (Fiep) is adopting a series of actions with the objective of expanding trade relations with the Arab world. Among them is the promotion of fairs and business missions to the Middle East and North Africa. "The Arab countries are a market of (over) 300 million consumers and we are interested in supplying to them," stated Ardisson Nahim Akel, coordinator of the Fiep Foreign Trade Theme Council at Fiep.
Akel explained that the industrial base of the state of Paraná is diversified. Apart from strong presence in the transformation of agricultural products, the state currently has 22 Local Productive Arrangements (LPAs). These are clusters of specialized industrial production, recognized officially by the federal and state governments, which produce from bathroom products – in the city of Loanda, 480 kilometres away from state capital Curitiba – to hospital material, as is the case with the LPA in the city of Campo Mourão, 350 kilometres away from the capital.
"These economic sectors, to which we may add software in the city of Londrina, garments from Cianorte, furniture from Arapongas, doors and wooden frames from União da Vitória, among others, are greatly interested in reaching the foreign market. And within this strategy, the Arab countries stand out as an important target to be reached," declared Akel.
"We noticed that there is great interest of industries in the state of Paraná in doing business with the Arab market," explained Janet Castanha, of the Fiep International Business Centre (CIN). Proof of this is the turnout last year. In 2006, twelve businessmen from the state of Paraná enrolled to participate in Damascus International Fair, in Syria. The Israeli attacks on Lebanon, however, postponed the plans of the group.
For this year, a series of events is scheduled in the region, and they should once again generate interest. Janet mentioned as an example the 40th edition of Algiers International Fair, which took place between June 01 and 07 in the capital of Algiers. A multisector fair, there industries from the state of Paraná may show their products, learn about Arab production and start or strengthen trade ties with the countries in North Africa and the Middle East, he explained. Brazilian participation in the event will be promoted by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.
Another important event is Damascus International Fair, to take place in the Syrian capital. It is also multisector and is one of the largest business meetings in the region.
Businessmen interested in further information may get in contact with the CIN through telephone (+55 41) 3271-9105, or through the web page (www.cinpr.org.br). Another option is sending an e-mail to the janet.pacheco@fiepr.org.br.
*Federation of Industries of the State of Paraná. Translated by Mark Ament
