São Paulo – On Thursday afternoon (5), Emad Orfaly, the Syrian consul general in São Paulo, discussed with leaders from the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) ways to expand trade between his country and Brazil, which is still small and largely tilted in Brazil’s favor. He has held the position in São Paulo for a month, after previously serving in Austria.
“We’re very keen to try to find ways to enhance trade relations between Brazil and Syria. This, of course, takes time and requires engagement from both sides,” Orfaly told ANBA. He mentioned that expanding exports and imports depends primarily on the private sector and the interest of entrepreneurs in doing business, while not dismissing the importance of dialogue between governments and institutions such as chambers of commerce.
During his visit to the headquarters of the ABCC, Orfaly was received by the institution’s President Osmar Chohfi, Secretary-General and International Relations Vice President Mohamad Mourad, and board member Sami Roumieh. With them, the consul general also discussed holding seminars and meetings between Syrian and Brazilian businesspeople. The diplomat was accompanied by the vice-consul, Zyad Alabed. Also present at the meeting was ABCC Institutional Relations Advisor Bassel Abou Latif.
Syria-Brazil trade
In 2023, Brazil exported USD 15.3 million and imported USD 3 million from Syria. This year through October, exports grossed USD 61.3 million, while imports totaled USD 415,000. Among the leading products exported by Brazil are sugar, coffee, and mate. Leading imports include seeds and spices.
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Translated by Guilherme Miranda
