Alexandre Rocha *
São Paulo – The summit between Arab and South American countries, to take place in Brazilian capital Brasília, in May this year, should strengthen trade between Brazil and the Arab world. This is the evaluation of Faris Muft, the Jordanian ambassador in Brasília, who participated this morning (14) in the opening of the trade mission that includes businessmen from five Arab countries, taking place in the city of São Paulo, the Brazilian financial capital.
"There is a consensus among the Arabs that the volume of the trade balance with Brazil should be even greater. We must make the good political relations we already have become harmonious with trade and, with this in mind, I believe that one of the main results of the summit will be the strengthening of trade," stated the diplomat to ANBA.
Bilateral trade between Brazil and the Arab nations exceeded US$ 8.1 billion last year, growth of 49.7% when compared to 2003. Despite this growth, Muft believes that the volume is still too low. It is hoped that a large number of businessmen join the parties of the heads of state coming to Brazil to participate in the summit.
* Translated by Mark Ament
