The most promising demand for coffee in the world originates in Asia, but sales of Brazilian product to Arab countries are also going up above average. Year-to-date through April, total coffee exports from Brazil increased by 26.8% in volume and 3.5% in revenue, while sales to Arab countries widened by 39.8% and 8%. ANBA's Isaura Daniel attended the Coffee Summit this Wednesday (29) in São Paulo to find out what's new and trending in the industry. She reports that exporters intend to increase sales to that region even more. “The Middle East market is very important for Brazil; we export a lot. Brazil produces a certain kind of Arabica coffee that is greatly appreciated in the Arab market. We have excellent partners in the Middle East,” Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé) president Nelson Carvalhaes said in an interview.

And also in this Wednesday's edition of your ANBA Bulletin: Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce president Rubens Hannun joined a discussion about the challenge of doubling the size of Brazil's agribusiness industry in five years' time. The panel kicked off Campo Grande Expo Tuesday (28) in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. Once again. China and Arab countries stood out as two of the most promising markets for agricultural products from Brazil. “The Arab and halal market size really commanded a lot of attention,” said Hannun. Halal designates goods whose consumption is permitted to Muslims, a niche that could be worth as much as USD 2 trillion worldwide by 2022.

And Africa Week wrapped up with a ceremony at the Arab Brazilian Chamber's offices in São Paulo, featuring addresses by the organizers and by diplomats. Music group Fanta Konatê e os Tambores da Guiné performed. The event was part of World Africa Day (May 25) celebrations. Ten out of the 22 Arab countries are located in Africa. This event is important for two main reasons: first off, because it puts the spotlight on Brazil-Africa ties, which are very close ties. The majority of Brazil’s population is of African descent. And apart from those human ties, Brazil managed to build a relationship of great mutual benefit with Africa over the past decades. Trade, economic and technical cooperation with Africa is traditionally relevant in Brazilian foreign policy,” said ambassador and Arab Chamber International Relations vice president Osmar Chohfi.