![\"\"](\"https:\/\/anba.com.br\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/lorival-luz-brf.jpg\")
<\/a>Luz said the plant was purchased because the lead-up to construction of the new plant is protracted. He expects the facility to go online in 2022. \u201cSo we fast-tracked the process. We are aware that we must follow all procedures for our plants and their accreditations, but we are 100% committed to the Arab countries and Saudi Arabia, and we have demonstrated thus effectively, not only through these investments, but also by our being present there. I myself have traveled to that part of the world more than four times last year, and now this plant further demonstrates our intention of being present with Brazilian investment in Saudi and Emirate soil, to demonstrate the presence of Brazil and BRF in that region,\u201d he said. The recently acquired plant should be operational by the end of this year or in early 2021, according to him.<\/p>\n
Regarding the USD 120 million investment announced last year, Luz said coronavirus and its restrictions on movement ultimately compromises project rollout. \u201cWe have made strides with backing from SAGIA, which is supporting us and with which we entered into the agreement. The investment was announced during the FII [Future Investment Initiative, aka \u201cDavos in the Desert\u201d], whose purpose is to produce food locally. The investment will be coupled with the local distribution that we already have in place,\u201d he said. According to him, the project is moving forward in spite of the pandemic, albeit at a slower pace.<\/p>\n
The executive said BRF\u2019s ties with Arab countries date back to the 1970s. \u201cBy now we have an entire local distribution network, with personnel, a staff, with our Sadia brand, and now with an investment in food production in Saudi territory,\u201d he argued.<\/p>\n
BRF netted BRL 9 billion in Q1 this year, up over 60% from Q1 2019, according to Luz. \u201cWe had solid growth in revenue, which attests to the work we did this last year, with an emphasis on efficient operation and logistics, on serving our consumers, providing quality food,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The company ships out some 180,000 tons of poultry and food items a year to Saudi Arabia alone. \u201cWe are their biggest supplier and we are committed to consistency, to ensuring that country\u2019s food security and sustaining our long-term relations,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum<\/strong><\/p>\n