(MENAFN- Brazil-Arab News Agency (ANBA)) São Paulo – Speaking via video at the Global Halal Brazil Business Forum (GHB ) on Monday (27), Brazil's Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, used the word“trust” twice to describe the relationship between Brazil and Islamic countries. The forum runs until Tuesday (28) at the WTC Events Center in São Paulo, with officials, experts, and businesspeople from Brazil and Muslim-majority nations.

“The trust and partnership between Brazil and halal market countries are examples of a successful story we have built through adaptation and strategic vision. It is the result of a close collaboration between the government and the business sector for Brazil's development, the highest priority of Brazilian foreign policy,” he said, reaffirming his ministry's ongoing commitment to this effort.

The Foreign Minister said the GHB Forum has become a well-established milestone in the Brazilian business calendar and is already the largest halal event in the Americas. He highlighted Brazil's role as a producer and exporter of halal food products.“Since the 1970s, our private sector has been excellently meeting the production and export specifications for the Islamic market,” Vieira said.

The minister said that Brazil has turned halal requirements into an opportunity. The halal market consists of products made according to Islamic guidelines, thus fit for Muslim consumption.“Our producers have learned to pay proper attention to the customs and ethical and religious specificities of the Muslim world to build what is most important, whether in business or diplomacy: trust.”

Mauro Vieira highlighted the scale of Brazil's supply to this market.“Brazil is now the largest exporter of food to the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, with a diversified portfolio that includes chicken, beef, sugar, grains, coffee, and yerba mate,” he said. The Foreign Minister also mentioned Brazil's exports to the Arab League countries, which reached a second consecutive record last year, totaling USD 23 billion.

According to Vieira, there is a trend of expanding sales of higher value-added halal products, with businesspeople recognizing the importance of meeting demand in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and apparel as well.“The growth potential is enormous,” he said. The Foreign Minister noted that despite the need for specific regulation and certification, the successful experience of the food industry provides confidence that Brazilian producers will be ready to serve these sectors as well.

According to the Foreign Minister, since the beginning of the current government, 437 new markets have been opened through groups like BRICS and bilateral efforts, with the government working to engage new partners and negotiate market access. Several countries with major Muslim populations, such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Indonesia, are part of BRICS.“We have been reaching out to Muslim-majority countries, especially in the Gulf region, an area of great potential for Brazilian exports in the near future,” he said.

The forum is organized by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC ) and FAMBRAS Halal Certification. GHB sponsors include MBRF (Marfrig – BRF), MODON (Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones), Seara, CaraPreta Carnes Nobres, EcoHalal, Emirates, Grupo MHE9, Laila Travel, Prime Company, and SGS, with catering by Água Mineral Frescca and Pão & Arte Frozen Bread.

Strategic partners include the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) and Islamic Chamber Halal Services (ICHS). There is also institutional support from Brazilian beef industry group ABIEC, Brazilian Beef, Brazil's chicken and pork lobby ABPA, Brazilian Chicken, International Halal Academy, and the Union of Arab Chambers (UAC).

Read more:
Islamic leaders to speak at halal forum in Brazil

Translated by Guilherme Miranda

The post Mauro Vieira sees strong Brazil–Islamic trust appeared first on ANBA News Agency.

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