Dubai Export Development Corporation (EDC), an agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai, together with Apex-Brazil the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, has hosted a seminar for UAE companies to capitalise on various investment projects being undertaken in Brazil.
The seminar entitled ‘Business Opportunities from Brazilian Public Procurements’, the seminar focused on the Brazilian Public Procurement System; infrastructure procurement and contracting system; and specific business opportunities from actual government projects in Brazil. Through this initiative, EDC intends to facilitate growth and expansion of the investments of UAE companies in profitable markets in South America.
Brazil is a huge market in its own right, with a population of approximately 185 million. Brazil has one of the world’s most rapidly developing economies and a GDP per head. Brazil has immense potential as a trade and investment partner, with enormous opportunities for UAE companies across a range of sectors. This is especially the case as the country is due to hold the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016.
Trade flows between UAE and Brazil had grown consistently over the past four years and EDC is looking forward to increasing this further. Dubai’s firms have already entered the Brazilian market especially in the field of base metals which was the key product.
“The Brazilian economy is an important export and investment market and holding such events ensures that EDC members are aware of all business opportunities including procurement systems in South American countries. As a value-add service to UAE companies, we are equipping them with the appropriate trade knowledge in expanding their businesses in the Brazilian market,†said Engineer Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer, EDC.
The seminar was headed by Luiz Gustavo Fraxino, who is the Senior Partner of Conselvan, Fraxino & Associates Law Firm. A key aspect of the seminar was to discuss the legal and standards requirements for foreign companies; public-private partnerships; business consortiums; and tax system and administration.
“Among the Apex–Brazil mission is to promote the export of Brazilian goods and services and contributing to the internationalisation of Brazilian companies. Our role is to help in strengthening our country’s image, enhancing the investment attraction to Brazil with corresponding support to the Brazilian companies.
“We welcome the initiative of Dubai Export Development Corporation in encouraging UAE companies to visit Brazil together with the Dubai Government and businessmen delegation, including traders. This will boost  enlarge the business relations between both countries, as result of these internationalization efforts developed by both the EDC and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency,†said Gilberto Lima Junior, Coordinator, Apex International.
The Brazilian Government is currently committed to investments in the infrastructure sector including highways, railways, subways, seaports, airports, sports facilities, Power plants, Power lines, IT infrastructures among others.
