{"id":272397,"date":"2020-04-29T16:40:46","date_gmt":"2020-04-29T19:40:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/anba.com.br\/?p=272397"},"modified":"2020-05-04T16:28:09","modified_gmt":"2020-05-04T19:28:09","slug":"brazil-arab-countries-parliamentary-group-lays-out-pillars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/anba.com.br\/en\/brazil-arab-countries-parliamentary-group-lays-out-pillars\/","title":{"rendered":"Brazil-Arab Countries Parliamentary Group lays out pillars"},"content":{"rendered":"

S\u00e3o Paulo \u2013 The Brazil-Arab Countries Parliamentary Group was launched this Wednesday (29) during the webinar \u2018Encouraging and developing Brazilian-Arab bilateral relations,\u2019 hosted by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce<\/strong> in partnership with certifier Fambras Halal. The group\u2019s chair (pictured above<\/em>), senator Jean Paul Prates, said work will revolve around three pillars: trade, politics-diplomacy, and technical cooperation. He also stressed the relevance of partnership in the social and environmental fields, with Arab investment funds, and in the oil and gas market.<\/p>\n

Senator Prates believes the biggest challenge facing the group is that of spearheading, within National Congress, the drive for an agenda that promotes relations in trade as well as politics and culture between the countries involved. \u201cBrazilian-Arab relations are underpinned by three pillars. The pillar of trade, the pillar of politics-diplomacy, and your technical cooperation aspects. Brazil\u2019s parliament is staying watchful of any actions from the Executive that might jeopardize the interests of relations with the countries that comprise this important diplomatic arc,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

As far as the Group is concerned, trade is the most important pillar. \u201cWe purchase fertilizers, we purchase oil, that makes up 80% of our imports (from Arab countries). And then we export meat, poultry, maize, cane sugar, iron ore and other important items,\u201d said the senator. According to him, Arab countries are a key gateway to other Muslim markets in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.<\/p>\n

As for investment opportunities in Brazil, he said technology, agriculture and public=-private partnerships (PPPs) have proven to be options for the Arabs. \u201cBrazil is an interesting terrain for investment in these fields. We have a lot of shortcomings, and we have relatively well-regulated infrastructure and energy sectors, with very solid regulatory frameworks in place,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The senator said Brazil has the potential to develop and become established as a global leader in green economy. Prates mentioned the country\u2019s production capacity, its ability to spread technical knowledge, its managing of agriculture and biodiversity, and the development and production methodology for halal products, which he said goes hand in hand with sustainable manufacturing. \u201cHalal product is sustainable product, and the Muslim market is an open door for Brazil to explore and increase its exports,\u201d he said. He also warned that sustaining good diplomatic relations is key as competition grows stronger around the world. \u201cThere are potential competitors in this market in Australia, the United States, Argentina and Paraguay.\u201d<\/p>\n

The second pillar is politics-diplomacy. \u201cIt is known that the incumbent administration has at times threatened or undermined the excellent relations cultivated over the last few years, with occasional politically incorrect stances and statements. Congress needs to be vigilant of the Executive\u2019s behavior, precisely so we can sustain these good relations in culture, trade and politics. Congress can enhance countries\u2019 relations at the parliamentary level, by creating new levels of cooperation and relations and enhancing existing ones,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The third pillar is about technical cooperation. \u201cWe can even cooperate regarding Covid-19, in the development of vaccines, treatments, medicines, personal protective equipment and so forth,\u201d he said. Prates also said the countries can partner up to improve usage of the products that they trade, developing new technologies in fossil fuels, agriculture, fertilizers, etc.<\/p>\n