Geovana Pagel
São Paulo – The presence of a Brazilian stand at Cairo International Fair not only increased business possibilities with the 22 Arab countries, but has also attracted the attention of other international businessmen, like the Russians. Last Friday, (19), businessman Stephen Mazyuk, director of Mazyuk & Metelev, visited the stand and showed his interest in Brazilian toys. The Russian company, based in St. Petersburg, is also exhibiting at the fair.
"They are interested in establishing import and export partnerships, and in trying to transfer technology between both countries, targeting the Brazilian and Russian markets, and export to other countries," stated Michel Alaby, secretary general of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (CCAB).
"As we have no toy supplier exhibiting at the fair, we gave them the Brazilian Toy Manufacturer Association (Abrinq) and Brazil Trade Net (a site with business and trade information) Internet addresses, so that they can obtain further information about the sector," stated Alaby. "We also stated that the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce is at their disposal for assistance in contacts with Brazilian businessmen," he completed.
The CCAB has had a Brazilian stand at the Cairo International Fair since 1997. Considered the most important business event in Egypt, and also the oldest, the fair is turned to ample trade of products and services.
The first three days of the fair, according to Alaby, generated more than 150 business contacts for the five companies participating in the organization site. One of them, Ataforma, which produces moulds and extractors for ice cream, is negotiating with Egyptian importers. "One of the importers, a medium sized distributor with offices in Libya and Egypt, has already asked for product quotations," explains the Ataforma export manager, Viviane Guelli.
According to her, the Egyptian distributor already imports products similar to those made by the Brazilian company from Europe. "We have one advantage when compared to Europe," stated Viviane. She then explained: "Our products offer similar quality for a lower price."
According to her, the only problem that may affect negotiations is the high export cost between Brazil and Africa. "We must find a system to reduce cost," she evaluated.
Brazilian toy industry
With their eye on the foreign market, the Brazilian toy industry strictly follows international technical norms, which protect the infant consumers. Their respect of these standards has permitted Brazilian products to enter the United States, Mexico, Europe, and countries in South America. The sector generates 19,500 direct jobs and 6,800 third party service jobs.
The list of most sold toys on the international market, according to figures supplied by the Brazilian Toy Manufacturer Association (Abrinq), includes wooden toys, games with ecological themes, and dolls, the cash cow, with a varied product line – from newly born babies to replicas of famous models.
Statistics provided by the Abrinq reveal that in 2003 toy manufacturer revenues rose 4.4% when compared to the previous year. In 2002, the sector had revenues of around US$ 330 million. In 2003, this value rose to around US$ 340 million.
Contact
Abrinq
Telephone: (55-11) 3816-3644
E-mail: abrinq@abrinq.com.br
Site: www.abrinq.com.br
Brazil Trade Net
Site: www.braziltradenet.gov.br
Mazyuk & Metelev
Telephone/fax: 7-812-1150692
E-mail: mazyuk&metelev@sp.ru
