RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Amid Dubai’s resorts and luxury hotels, one can see men in white tunics and women in black robes and hijab (a set of garments recommended by the Islamic doctrine), following the Islamic tradition, in one more example of how East and West blend together.
According to Brazilian Trade and Investment Agency (Apex-Brasil) chairman Augusto Pestana, the strategy of Brazilian entrepreneurs should be to internationalize their products and invest in the region.
“A big country like Brazil needs to be present worldwide, and Dubai is pivotal. It is a hub for the Middle East, for the Arab world, for South Asia, for India, and for Africa. Likewise, Brazil is an increasingly relevant hub. So it’s a win-win relationship.”
During the opening of the seminar How to do Business with the Arab Emirates, in Dubai, Pestana adapted the verse of Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, “navegar é preciso,” (to sail is necessary) saying that “to negotiate is necessary. Internationalizing is necessary.” Pestana referred to the Expo 2020 agenda as an opportunity for the delegation of some 300 Brazilian entrepreneurs in the city to exchange experiences and knowledge.
GULF REGION
During the meeting, Pestana also cited data from the recently released Bilateral Map between Brazil and Gulf Cooperation Council nations. According to the study, Brazil would only need to increase its market share by 0.1 percentage point to achieve almost US$6 billion more in the trade flow.
“This region offers extraordinary opportunities,” said the Apex-Brasil chairman, citing that Brazil is currently ranked 5th among the trade partners of the council’s member countries.