The Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) announced that it will host a new webinar this month as part of the ongoing dialogues on the direction and the future of the Brazilian-Arab relations in the new global scenario. Titled ‘Brazil and the Arab Countries: Enhancing the agenda in the new global scenario,’ the interactive webinar will feature Brazil’s Vice President Hamilton Mourão and ABCC President Rubens Hannun.

The online conference will be the fourth in a series of special meetings being organized to provide Arabs and Brazilians alike with a safe platform to discuss urgent issues concerning the impact of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The discussions will focus on ways to protect and strengthen the ties between Brazil and the Arab region during- and post-COVID-19. By hosting the event, the ABCC aims to bring more Brazilian and Arab government officials and private sector leaders into the debate.

Rubens Hannun, President, Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce said: “Since the pandemic began, both sides have taken great measures to mitigate the effects of the crisis, but more still needs to be done as the global community enters what we now call the ‘new normal.’ More than anything, we need to reinforce our partnerships and collaborative efforts to ensure that the relations between Brazil and Arab states will emerge stronger and wiser. The attendees led by the guest speakers will explore new opportunities and are expected to come up with innovative solutions to present and future challenges.”

“The resilience of the Brazilian-Arab relations amid the COVID-19 crisis is evident. We will continue to work together to reinforce this alliance during these unprecedented times. The upcoming webinar is part and parcel of our initiatives and we hope that more stakeholders will join us in our endeavors,” he added.

Brazil and major Arab countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria and Oman, have enjoyed long-standing economic and trade ties for years. The country has been shipping a variety of goods and products such as animal-based protein, agricultural products, grains, and iron ore, among others, to the region’s big markets.

In 2019, the Arab region, the third biggest destination of Brazilian goods after China and the United States, imported USD 12.24 billion worth of commodities and items, including poultry and beef, sugar, iron ore and maize, from the country. The amount was 6.7 per cent higher year-on-year.

On the other hand, Brazil’s purchases from its Arab partners amounted to USD 6.99 billion during the same period. Some of the country’s top imported items included oil, fertilizers, plastics, aluminum, and frozen fish.