São Paulo – The Second Global Halal Brazil Business Forum opened today in São Paulo, uniting a distinguished group of international diplomats, industry experts, and business leaders. This forum serves as a pivotal platform to explore the burgeoning potential of Brazil’s halal industry. Ambassador Osmar Chohfi’s keynote speech highlighted the remarkable achievements and opportunities within Brazil’s Halal Market, setting the stage for a two-day deep dive into this vital sector.
Welcoming Dignitaries and Brazil’s Halal Market
The event commenced with a warm welcome extended to various dignitaries, including Mr. Nabil Adghoghi, the Ambassador from the Kingdom of Morocco, and Mr. Louis Lahoud, Director-General of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lebanon. Their presence underscored the global interest in Brazil’s Halal Market and set a productive tone for the forum’s discussions.
Ambassador Chohfi’s Address: Understanding the Halal Market
Ambassador Chohfi delivered a comprehensive overview of the significance of the Halal consumer market, highlighting its importance not only to the global economy but also to Brazil’s economic landscape. He explained that “Halal,” meaning “lawful” in Arabic, encompasses various practices aligned with the Muslim faith and cultural identity. These practices affect the consumption of goods, including strict prohibitions on certain items and specific handling requirements for permissible ones.
Brazil’s Pioneering Role in the Halal Market
In his address, Ambassador Chohfi emphasized Brazil’s impressive achievements in the halal market. Brazil’s engagement with the Muslim consumer market began in 1977 through trade relations with Saudi Arabia. Since then, Brazil has risen to become the world’s leading exporter of halal poultry and beef. Approximately 30% of Brazil’s meat exports are directed toward Muslim countries, constituting a substantial $5-6 billion market. This success supports the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands and significantly contributes to Brazil’s economic growth.
Projected Growth and Market Expansion
Ambassador Chohfi pointed out that the global Muslim population is projected to reach 30% by 2050, underscoring the importance of tapping into the halal market. Brazil’s positioning in this sector is crucial as the country continues to see an increase in exports to Muslim-majority nations. In 2022, Brazil exported over $23.41 billion worth of food and beverages to these countries, making it the largest food supplier to the Muslim world. This marked a remarkable 41% increase from the previous year.
Diversifying and Adding Value
Despite the success in exporting meats, Ambassador Chohfi stressed the need for Brazil to diversify its halal product offerings. He advocated for the introduction of value-added products such as cosmetics, medicines, clothing, and tourism services. This diversification is essential for maintaining a competitive edge and catering to a broader range of consumer needs within the halal market.
Enhancing the Availability of Certified Products
The food industry in Brazil has a priority to increase the availability of certified industrialized food products. Ambassador Chohfi praised Brazil’s reputation for producing high-quality, reliable, and diverse products, which have earned the country recognition in global markets. Ensuring that these products meet halal certification standards is key to expanding Brazil’s influence in the halal market.
The “Halal do Brasil” Project: Promoting Brazilian Halal Exports
The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency launched the “Halal do Brasil” project in September of the previous year. This initiative aims to promote Brazilian halal product exports through international activities and certification incentives. Over the past year, significant missions to global trade shows have been conducted, raising awareness among 300 Brazilian food companies about opportunities in Islamic markets and the process of obtaining halal certification.
Collaborative Efforts and Market Expansion
Ambassador Chohfi highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Brazilian government and the private sector in advancing Brazilian halal products on the global stage. Brazilian embassies and industry associations have played a vital role in opening new markets, including the recent entry into the Algerian market for Brazilian halal chicken. The Arab-Brazilian Chamber, in coordination with ApexBrasil, has been instrumental in positioning Brazilian products for foreign buyers, fostering growth in the halal market.
Encouraging Entrepreneurial Exploration
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Chohfi encouraged Brazilian entrepreneurs to explore the promising opportunities within Muslim markets. He emphasized leveraging the Chamber’s resources to develop robust business plans and capitalize on the expanding halal market. His call to action underscores the need for continued innovation and strategic planning to enhance Brazil’s position in the global halal industry.
A Milestone for Brazil’s Halal Market
The Global Halal Brazil Business Forum represents a significant milestone for Brazil’s halal market, showcasing the country’s commitment to becoming a major player in the global halal industry. The forum, running in parallel with the success of the “Halal do Brasil” project, highlights Brazil’s integrated approach and efforts toward promoting halal products. This dynamic platform for learning and collaboration promises to facilitate valuable exchanges and business opportunities, further solidifying Brazil’s role in the global halal market.
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