Brazil is a key trading partner of GCC countries with total imports reaching US$4.2 billion during 2011.
The Brazilian Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade Commerce and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) will lead a delegation of 47 Brazilian companies who will explore trade and investment opportunities with their counterparts from the GCC during the "Brazilian Trade Mission to Middle East" that will be held between February 12 and 17, 2012 in Riyadh and Dubai.
Important trade partner
Qatar is a particularly important trade partner of Brazil as Qatar exports to the South American country amounted to US$ 238.433mn in 2011, while total imports reached US$336.994mn. The exploratory talks with GCC countries is part of Brazil's strategy to strengthen its trade relations across the Middle East region, which accounted for US$12.276 billion in exports and up to US$6,141 billion in imports from Brazil.
Excellent launch pad
Mauricio Borges, president of Apex-Brasil, said, "Middle East with its dynamic economy and strong focus on foreign trade relations, it is clear that Qatar as well as the rest of the GCC will serve as an excellent launch pad to strengthen trade activities between Brazil and the entire Middle East region.
Invest Brazil
Apex-Brasil has therefore organised 'Invest Brazil' to create a dedicated networking avenue for corporate organisations, investors, government institutions and trade organizations from Brazil and the GCC to explore new opportunities for economic cooperation."
Infrastructure and real estate
"Moreover, Brazil has been teeming with investment possibilities in the field of infrastructure and real estate development. Qatar and GCC investors can therefore take advantage of the favourable investment climate in Brazil to further diversify their investment portfolio and boost their revenue potential."
