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11/22/23, 4:00 PM Global Halal Brazil Business Forum convenes experts - Middle East News 247
discussions held on the sidelines of the forum also discussed the establishment of strategic distribution and
logistics hubs in various Muslim-majority countries to ensure seamless and secure trade of halal products

within markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia region.

Osmar Chohfi, President of ABCC, said: “The second edition of Global Halal Brazil Business Forum

proved to be instrumental in highlighting the potential of the halal market to Brazilian entrepreneurs and
officials while emphasising the consistency of the country as a halal partner to the Arab and Islamic
attendees. Currently, the Islamic market is one of the major markets, which brings together nearly 60

countries globally, with a population of 1.97 billion residents and an economic activity of USD 5.7 trillion
annually. According to reports Brazil exported nearly USD 23 billion worth of food and beverages to Islamic
countries in 2022. This indicates that producing halal foods appear as an excellent opportunity for most

Brazilian entrepreneurs as the demand for halal products is surging higher, even beyond the Arabic and
Islamic worlds. The market also shows substantial growth potential beyond the food sector.”

Like Chohfi, FAMBRAS Halal president Mohamed Zoghbi stressed the relevance of the event and pointed
out the opportunities. “I have no doubt it was a milestone in the history of global Halal. We brought Brazilian

and international dignitaries and officials to discuss key relevant topics for those who want to break in or keep
operating with excellence in the Halal market,” he says. “We left with a very good prospect for our country,
especially due to the potential we have to expand the supply of goods – not just fresh but also industrialized,
as well Halal services and tourism.”

During the event, Arab authorities regarded Brazil as a key producer and largest exporter of halal animal

proteins, while highlighting the potential of the vast halal market across diverse product portfolios, which is
yet to be explored. In line with this, H.E Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign
Trade, and representatives from Arab embassies and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and

Agriculture (ICCIA), emphasised that the political and economic bond between Brazil and Arab countries
supports any potential expansion of the range of exports, in terms of both volume and product categories.

In addition, Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the country’s urge to reinforce global cooperation in the halal industry
following the sustainable development goals (SDGs). He further added: “We strongly believe that the forum
will pave the way for bringing together expertise and strengthening joint economic and investment policies to

support sustainable growth of halal industry and draw more global investments.”

In line with the discussions held in the forum, the Halal do Brazil revealed its plan to conduct a

comprehensive B2B visit to companies. The initiative, which is carried out by ABCC and the Brazilian Trade
and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), seeks to strengthen the foothold of Brazilian halal food and

beverage items in global markets.

The 2023 edition brought together over 40 speakers from across 13 countries. The event witnessed the

signing of four cooperation agreements and thirteen sponsorships. In addition, the second edition of GHB
received immense media coverage, with over 300 articles in Brazilian and international media.

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