São Paulo – A delegation from the northern Brazilian state of Tocantins is currently in Dubai, UAE to discuss investment and new deals. Governor Mauro Carlesse (pictured above, on the right) signed a memorandum of understanding with the UAE providing for special investment conditions.
is currently in Dubai, UAE to discuss investment and new deals. Governor Mauro Carlesse (pictured above, on the right) signed a memorandum of understanding with the UAE providing for special investment conditions.
The Brazilian delegates are attending Dubai Investment Week, taking place through October 3 under the auspices of Dubai FDI, which is an arm of Dubai’s Department of Economic Development. The delegation from Tocantins also comprises local businesspeople.
Business meetings
Last Tuesday (1st), the delegation visited the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce international office in Dubai. Tocantins’ secretary of State of Planning and Finance, Sandro Henrique Armando (pictured, center), watched the presentation that the head of the office, Rafael Solimeo, gave on business opportunities. “With the figures of Tocantins-UAE trade balance, I pointed out the potential in sectors such as halal tourism and food security. Moreover, they can use the country as an entry platform for products to several other countries in the region,” Solimeo pointed out.
The Brazilian delegation was introduced to Arab members of the Arab Chamber. The encounter will likely result in business meetings later this week. This applies to Panidor, a frozen bread and pastry company that has a plant in Brazil and three others in Portugal. “Our expectation is quite promising. (The Arab Chamber) is a special body to bridge this gap between both parties,” said Sérgio Fonseca, who is a board advisor at both Panidor and Angus Heritage, another company of the same group that raises cattle and produces premium beef.
The company’s goal is to break into Dubai’s market not only to supply to the emirate itself but to have it as an entry gate to other markets. “We’ve met with several potential partners. Whether they are potential clients or logistics companies and free zones to establish our company in Dubai,” Fonseca explains, pointing out that the group is planning three franchise models to establish in Dubai: a Panidor bakery, a pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) Panidor store, and an Angus Heritage burger place.
Arab Chamber office was also visited by Tocantins’ extraordinary secretary of Private/Public Companies, Claudinei Quaresmin; secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Aquaculture, César Halum; Agroindustry Cooperative of Tocantins (COAPA) president Ricardo Khouri; AmeroAfrica Financial chairman Hermano Gouveia; and Fazendão Agronegócios owner Volney Aquino Santos.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum & Guilherme Miranda
