Brazil promoted halal networking in UAE

The event seeks to promote Brazilian companies in the halal market globally

March 01, 2023– The Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) co-organised a networking event to promote Brazilian halal products in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the “Halal do Brasil” project. The event, which aimed to increase Brazilian companies’ participation in the global halal market, brought together business leaders from Arab countries and Brazil.

Top business leaders and government officials – including Carlos Goulart, Secretary of Agricultural Defence of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Eliana Zugaib, Chargée d’Affaires of the Embassy of Brazil in the UAE, as well as Brazilian and Arab entrepreneurs, attended the event, which included a dinner. Saudi Arabian dates companies and Brazilian firms that trade and export products such as beverages to Arab countries were also present at the dinner, which featured Brazilian barbecue.

The opening ceremony included speeches from several executives, including Tatiana Riera, Chief Operating Officer of the ApexBrasil, Dubai, who noted that the “Halal do Brasil” project would reinforce operations across the Middle East and Islamic countries that require halal certification. “We have gathered here to celebrate a new step in the relationship between the ABCC and ApexBrasil. This partnership will further strengthen the presence of Brazilian halal products in the UAE,” she said.

Eliana Zugaib, Chargée d’Affaires of the Embassy of Brazil in the UAE, emphasised that the event provided a significant opportunity for businesses to expand their networks, especially given that the UAE was hosting Gulfood, the region’s largest food and beverage sector show. Zugaib also highlighted Brazil’s potential to make significant achievements at the show as a major producer and exporter of halal food. “This event will open up new halal business prospects and enhance product value,” she added.

During the event, the Brazilian Association of Animal Proteins (ABPA) launched a book that serves as a guide for companies seeking halal certification. Ricardo Santin, President of ABPA, stated that the book was intended to explain the steps and procedures the Brazilian traders must take to get the certification and prosper in the Arab countries.

Globally, Brazil is the top exporter of halal protein. The accreditation necessitates a number of changes in the part of the companies. “We are ready to face these challenges,” concluded Antônio Jorge Camardelli, President of the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC).

Halal do Brasil

Meanwhile, Tamer Mansour, the Secretary-General and CEO of the ABCC, highlighted that the “Halal do Brasil” project aims to boost the country’s export business beyond the protein sector. “The project is truly ground-breaking. It can train those businesses who want to venture into the halal market and highlight the significance of Brazil in the halal food industry. Brazil doesn’t want to limit its business to protein only, we aim to see all of our items with halal certification on the shelves, demonstrating our dedication,” he added.

Estevão Carvalho, Strategic Projects advisor of the ABCC, explained the procedures of the “Halal do Brasil” project by dividing it into different stages. “The project’s efforts will include developing and sharing certification knowledge, offering training and administering the trade itself, and assisting businesses in obtaining the halal qualification,” he added.

About Halal do Brasil

Halal do Brasil is a project by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) which aims to boost the worldwide presence of halal-certified industries in the global market, promoting Brazilian export culture to Islamic and non-Islamic countries through a project to foster international business.