Brazilian businesses to highlight future of halal market at Global Business Forum on Latin America

UAE, November 8, 2016 –Prominent business leaders from various Brazilian organizations in the UAE, including the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), the Federation of Muslim Associations in Brazil (Fambras) and the São Paulo Investment Promotion Agency (Investe São Paulo), will be participating at the Global Business Forum on Latin America which will be held in Dubai on November 9 and 10, 2016,  Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. 

The forum is organized by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and will hold a panel discussion on the development of the halal market. Fambras President Mohamed El Zoghbi will be one of the main panel speakers to highlight the range of Brazil’s opportunities for halal products.

El Zogbhi said: “Brazil accounts for just over 10 per cent of global halal product supplies. Despite being the world’s leading producer of halal animal protein, we could work our way into other markets such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, clothing and candy.”

“Corporations must be made aware that to be able to secure markets in Muslim countries, it is important to meet the technical standards and regulations based on Islamic principles and ensure raw materials are compliant. On the other hand, it is also important to spread awareness on Brazilian halal and should be widely marketed to the world,” he explained.

ABCC’s Investment Director Daniel Hannun and Government Relations Manager Tamer Mansour will provide support to Investe SP at the event as part of a cooperation agreement between the Chamber and the state agency.

ABCC executives will also conduct separate meetings in the UAE with delegates from the Jebel Ali and Ras al-Khaimah free zones in a bid to build closer ties and increase cooperation among Brazilian and UAE businesses.

Michel Alaby, Secretary-General and CEO of ABCC, commented: “The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce has been consistently engaged in promoting Brazilian halal products in various events in the UAE and across the Middle East. For example, Brazilian beef exports to the Arab World totaled USD.2.76 billion from January to September 2016 alone, which indicates a strong and stable market for Brazilian products. With Dubai’s growing global profile, compliance and certification of Brazilian halal products are key factors to expand growth in the region. We greatly appreciate Dubai Chamber’s initiatives for providing us the platform to present the bright prospects that lie ahead us.”