Brazilian companies to participate in Khartoum fair
January 12, 2008 (SAO PAULO) — The Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce encouraged Brazilian companies to participate in the 25th edition of the Khartoum International Fair that will be held from January 23 to February 1st.
The secretary general of the Arab Brazilian Chamber, Michel Alaby said that the Sudanese market is favourable for Brazilian companies operating in the foodstuff, agricultural machinery and equipment, MDF furniture and auto parts as well as medical and hospital equipment sectors.
Alaby also said that there is space in the Sudanese market for Brazilian meat, but that Brazil does not have sanitary agreements with Sudan yet.
With a 30-square metre stand, the Arab Brazilian Chamber is going to make space available for Brazilian companies to send promotional material, such as catalogues or small samples. The stand may also be used as a meeting point for Arab and Brazilian businessmen. Two Chamber employees will be at the site to provide commercial information about Brazil.
Last year, the organisation took material from approximately 10 Brazilian companies to the fair, and one of them, furniture manufacturer Itatiaia, has already shown interest in participating again. Based in the state of Minas Gerais, the company started exporting to the Arab market last year and is already present in Algeria, Libya, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
The Khartoum International Fair, which is going on its 25th edition, counts on the participation of approximately 400 exhibitors from 30 countries.
Exports from Brazil to Sudan from January to November 2007 totalled US$ 40.9 million, against US$ 74.3 million in the same period of 2006. The main products shipped from Brazil were: sugar, tractors, agricultural machinery, milk, tobacco, and chassis with engines.
On the other hand, Brazilian imports from Sudan during the first eleven months of 2007 totalled US$ 186,000, against US$ 81,400 in the same period of 2006. Goat, sheep and horse leather and hides, plants for essences and gum arabic were the main products bought from Sudan by Brazil.
(ST)