Aug. 2019 • Imports from KSA at $1.5bn in same period JEDDAH/DUBAI — The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) joined a Brazilian contingent led by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply Tereza Cristina Côrrea da Costa Dias in a special business mission to four countries Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and UAE, to talk about agribusiness opportunities and food security with key Arab officials. The business mission comprised of delegates from 30 Brazilian agribusiness industry companies and organizations – including representatives from ABCC; the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA); the Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock Confederation (CNA); the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA); and the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil). The Ministry's technicians were also part of the official delegation. Private companies that joined the mission are JBS; Masterboi; Granja Faria; Kit Internacional – Trader; CDI Halal; Minerva Foods; Marfrig; BR Foods; Seara do Brasil; Fambras; Bello Alimentos Ltd. Rubens Hannun, President of ABCC, said: "The mission aimed at opening up new opportunities for many Brazilian goods, including beef, poultry, sugar, maize, and coffee, to enter the growing Arab markets, particularly Saudi Arabia. The mission falls in line with the Brazilian Government's goal to strengthen its exports to the Arab world and strengthen its investment ties with Arab companies. The high-profile visit also signified the importance given by Brazil to its major trade partners in key Arab markets. We are confident that the meetings with top officials will bear fruitful results, especially in the move to strengthen ties between concerned parties and stakeholders." The mission proved to be both timely and strategic as it came at a time when Brazil's trade relations with Saudi Arabia are growing. From January to August 2019, Brazilian exports to KSA reached $1'339.50 million at 2'078.41 thousand tons, while its imports from KSA stood at $1'545.87 million at 3'199.61 thousand tons. During the same period, exports of Brazilian chicken meat and bovine meat to Saudi Arabia reached $555.33 million at 320.85, thousand tons and $90.89 million at 27.09 thousand tons, respectively. Meanwhile, ABCC has launched a membership campaign in a move to attract Arab companies to join the chamber. The membership drive is expected to raise the ABCC's present membership that will help reinforce its commitment toward further connecting Brazil with the Arab region to promote economic, social and cultural development, according to ABCC's statement last month. — SG
