Brazilian imports to UAE reach US$812m

posted on 31/05/2012: 943 views

Brazilian imports to the Arab countries have reached US$4.2 billion from January to April 2012, representing an increase by 3 per cent in relation to the same period in 2011.

Exports from Arab countries, in turn, have also registered an important increase during the period, by 37 per cent in relation to the previous year, reaching US$3.4 billion.

From the total of US$4.2 billion in Brazilian imports during the period from January to April 2012, Saudi Arabia is in the lead as main destination, registering US$953 million. Next are UAE, which accounts for US$812 million and Egypt (US$595 million). Among the imported products, the highlights were sugar, meats, ores, cereals and vegetable oils.

According to the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, the instabilities registered last year in some Arab countries have not affected the results. "Trade relations between Brazil and the Arab countries remained active throughout 2011 and has continued so in 2012,” says Michel Alaby, Director-General of the Arab Chamber.

Of Arab countries exports to Brazil, Algeria heads the list with US$1.5 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia (US$723 million) and Kuwait (US$378 million). The main products exported were oil and oil products, fertilisers and plastics.

During April, the entity has identified commercial opportunities in the fields of construction and food products. In addition to the traditional products, Arab companies are looking for suppliers of flooring and tiling, powdered milk, guaraná and nuts, among others.

To meet the demand and generate business, the Arab Chamber has been organising roundtables and receiving missions. Recently, two business roundtables were conducted between Dubai exporters and Brazilian importers at the institution's headquarters.

The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce represents 22 Arab countries. It was established in 1952 with the mission of strengthening commercial bonds between Brazil and the Arab countries, while increasing cultural and tourism exchange between Arabs and Brazilians.

Dubai Exports

Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development - Government of Dubai, has drawn up a sector-wise outreach programme for 2012 to interact closer with industry clusters and address their export-related needs more effectively.

A major feature of the initiative will be workshops, held prior to and during major trade fairs and exhibitions, to highlight international opportunities for member companies in the corresponding industry sector. Companies attending the workshops can also learn about the services and support provided by Dubai Exports in leveraging export opportunities. "We have spoken to leading event organisers and agreed with many of them to conduct our workshops alongside strategic industry events. Dubai Exports has also drawn up a workshop programme for 2012,” said Mariam Al Afridi, Director of Exporters' Services, Dubai Exports.

"The workshops will help Dubai Exports to strengthen the association with major industry sectors and closely align our services, strategies and programmes to the needs of businesses. Meanwhile, companies can gain critical knowledge on accessing new markets and connecting with potential customers, across industry platforms,” Al Afridi added.

Dubai Exports recently hosted companies from the food & beverages sector in a pre-departure meeting before leading a delegation to the Alimentaria 2012 food trade show in Barcelona, Spain in 2012. A workshop was also conducted for education and training providers as part of the Getex education show held in Dubai earlier this month.

"Moving forward, we will organise workshops for healthcare & pharmaceutical firms on June 4 as part of the ‘m+health Exhibition and Congress 2012'. We are also looking at holding a similar event for IT companies as part of Gitex in September 2012,” said Al Afridi.

The month of October will see logistics companies and Dubai Exports discussing export markets and prospects at the TOC CSC: Middle East Conference while in November, construction and building materials companies will be invited for a dialogue at the Big 5 exhibition. – The Gulf Today

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