UAE, May 3, 2016– The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) has facilitated the participation of Arab companies at the Apas Fair held by the São Paulo Supermarket Association (Apas) from May 2 to 5, 2016 at Expo Center Norte, São Paulo. Leading companies from the UAE, Jordan, and Tunisia are participating in the event and showcasing their products in the ABCC stand which span 98 square meters on the expo’s white pavilion

The stand showcases a wide variety of commodities from various companies to give a sample of popular Arabic products. Three Tunisian companies are represented as well as the Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency (Apia). Delegates from eight Jordanian companies are also present at the stand, while a liaison officer from Dubai Exports, the emirate’s export promotion agency, are representing 15 local companies.

Dr. Michel Alaby, Secretary General and CEO, Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, said, “We are excited to participate in the 2016 edition of the Apas Fair which is one of the leading export and import platforms. The Fair is widely sought after and drew 138 international exhibitors and welcomed 494 foreign visitors from 56 different countries in 2015. We are optimistic that this year’s event will be even more successful. The ABCC will be at their disposal to act as a bridge between exporters and importers and we believe this is an important part of our active efforts to further cultivate ties between the two countries.” 

The companies’ participation is primarily aimed at showcasing their products and specialties in Brazil such as olive oil, dates and spices to throw the spotlight on best-selling products across the region and attract potential buyers. In addition, the Arab enterprises will be selling items such as chocolates, rice, cakes, candy, beverages and camel’s milk. They will also offer plastics for packaging, air conditioning systems, and perfumes. 

The import of olive oil from Arab countries by Brazilian companies has increased more than 600 per cent in 2014 to 2015, according to statistics from the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade (MDIC) and ABCC. The country that exported the most olive oil to Brazil was Tunisia. In 2014, the country sold USD 104,000 for Brazil. In 2015, that figure jumped to USD 1 million.

As part of the delegation’s program of activities during their visit to Brazil, Arab executives will also pay a visit to the cereal wholesale hub near São Paulo’s Municipal Market to talk business with olive oil and date importers. Participating Jordanian companies will also look for potential suppliers and partners in line with their efforts to import goods and products in the near future.