Global Crisis Is Challenging But Offers Opportunities, Arab League Signals

The President Of The Chamber Of Commerce And Industry Of Bahrain Emphasized The Need For Direct Maritime Routes Between Brazil And The Arab World For Even More Effective Trade

São Paulo, 5/7/2022 — The current economic and health crisis was a highlight in the speech of Arab authorities who participated in the 4th Brazil-Arab Countries Forum, yesterday (4), in São Paulo.

Hossam Zaki, Deputy Secretary-General of the Arab League, highlighted that the moment the world is still going through has increased the level of challenges and, at the same time, created new opportunities, such as the Ukraine War. According to him, the scenario created a gap in wheat supply, and thus more countries were sought for partnerships.

“Arabs and Brazilians can and should benefit from the current context and propose opportunities for both to expand their businesses. It is interesting to note that, even in difficult years, Arab-Brazilian trade relations reached 24 billion dollars, an increase of almost 45% compared to the numbers from 2019 and 2020,” said Zaki.

In fact, exports to Arab countries surpassed US$14 billion and imports almost reached US$10 billion. “These numbers prove the strength of economic relations between Brazil and Arab countries, whether with products and services we provide or that we receive, such as commodities, halal proteins, textile industry, inputs like fertilizers, and many others. It is necessary to seize all opportunities to elevate our partnership to the highest levels of excellence,” added Zaki.

Youssef Hassan Khalawi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, reflected on the theme of this edition, `Legacy and Innovation´, stating that the coexistence between peoples did not begin only with the immigration of Arabs to Brazil. “History books already mentioned the crossing of the ‘sea of darkness’ [Atlantic Ocean] with the arrival of the Phoenicians before Christ on Brazilian shores. Thus, there has always been this presence of Arabs, their customs, traditions, and fair trade for both parties. All of this comprises this relationship of mutual admiration.”

Khalawi stated that Brazil is a major partner in the food security of 420 million Arabs and that they are building an even closer, dynamic, and strategic relationship. Among the advancements, he mentioned the Easy Trade documentary dispatch module from the Arab Chamber, which allows the validation of cargo documents digitally, paperlessly, and in an previously unimaginable timeframe of two days. “Less bureaucracy, more advantages for everyone. We are also pleased to see the opening of regional offices [of the Arab Chamber] in key cities such as Brasília, Itajaí, Dubai, Cairo, and soon, possibly, in Riyadh,” he added. 

Sameer Abdulla Nass, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bahrain, emphasized the need for direct maritime routes between Brazil and the Arab world for even more effective trade that adds value to investors and exporters. “Brazil has immeasurable importance to us because it is a gateway to Latin America. We are confident that all negotiations regarding better maritime routes will elevate our relationship to commercially unimaginable heights,” he stated.

For Nass, crises should be seen as multiple opportunities in various sectors. “It is necessary for us to work very hard, in the same language and direction. The greater our cooperation to achieve important advancements, such as in maritime, the better the decisions will be for companies regarding investments and commercial integration in

Source: Arab Chamber Press Via A4&Holofote Comunicação