Rubens Chohfi Departs as Arab-Brazilian Chamber President

Ever wonder how global trade gets done, especially between seemingly different cultures? It’s all about building bridges, and that’s exactly what the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) does. Recently, they celebrated a major leadership transition, welcoming William Adib Dib Jr. as their new president. This isn’t just a change at the top; it’s a signal of how the ABCC is evolving to meet the challenges and opportunities of today’s globalized world. For the past four years, Ambassador Osmar Chohfi, a respected diplomat with a long history at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, steered the ship, navigating some seriously choppy waters – remember the pandemic?

His two terms as president, starting back in 2021, were all about forward-thinking strategies and a knack for adapting to the unexpected. Let’s take a closer look at what this leadership change means for the future of Arab-Brazilian trade and how it impacts businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. He prioritized digital transformation, recognizing its importance in a rapidly evolving global landscape, expanded ABCC’s international footprint to solidify its presence in key regions, and strategically positioned Brazil to capitalize on the burgeoning global halal market, a sector with immense growth potential. His leadership proved crucial in navigating the turbulent times and positioning the ABCC for continued success in a globalized world.

Related: Brazil Halal Tourism: A Flourishing Destination for Muslim Travelers

Chohfi’s Vision for a Modernized ABCC

Taking the reins during a period of global uncertainty, Rubens Chohfi understood the critical need for modernization and adaptation within the ABCC. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound and lasting impact on both national and global economies, disrupting established trade routes, accelerating the adoption of digital technologies, and fundamentally changing the way businesses operate. Chohfi’s vision for the ABCC was to create a robust and agile institution, capable of not only weathering these unforeseen challenges but also thriving in the new global order.

His unwavering focus on digital transformation was key to this overarching strategy, enabling the ABCC to connect with its members, partners, and stakeholders in new and innovative ways, transcending geographical limitations and fostering greater collaboration. This digital-first approach allowed the ABCC to maintain essential services and communication even during periods of lockdown and travel restrictions.

Despite the challenging circumstances presented by the pandemic and its aftermath, Chohfi’s leadership yielded remarkable and tangible achievements. His tenure was marked by a flurry of activity, including active participation in numerous international fairs, strategic trade missions, high-level business events, insightful seminars, enriching cultural initiatives, and impactful diplomatic efforts. Under his guidance and vision, the ABCC launched several pivotal projects that have become milestones in its history, leaving a lasting impact on the organization and its members. These include:

• Strategic Expansion: Recognizing the increasing importance of a strong physical presence in key strategic locations, Chohfi spearheaded the establishment of new ABCC offices in Brasília, Brazil’s capital, and Cairo, Egypt. These strategic expansions significantly strengthened the ABCC’s reach, facilitated closer ties with government agencies and business communities in both regions and opened up new avenues for collaboration and trade promotion. The Brasília office provided closer access to government decision-makers, while the Cairo office served as a strategic hub for expanding trade relations in the Middle East and North Africa.

• Halal Market Leadership: Chohfi played a pivotal role in establishing the Global Halal Business Forum (GHB) as a leading and internationally recognized platform for discussions on the global halal market. Under his leadership, the GHB evolved into a vital hub for businesses, policymakers, and industry experts to connect, share valuable insights, and explore the vast opportunities presented by this rapidly growing and increasingly important sector. The GHB became a key driver in promoting best practices and fostering a greater understanding of halal standards and certification processes.

• Brazilian Halal Exports: Recognizing the immense potential of the halal market for Brazilian businesses, Chohfi championed the launch of the “Halal do Brasil” project in close partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil). This impactful initiative significantly expanded the presence of Brazilian halal products in Muslim markets across the globe, boosting exports, generating new revenue streams, and creating valuable economic opportunities for Brazilian businesses. The project provided support to Brazilian companies seeking halal certification and market access, helping them overcome trade barriers and connect with potential buyers.

• Trade Figures: Chohfi’s unwavering focus on strengthening bilateral trade relations between Brazil and the Arab world yielded impressive and noteworthy results. During his tenure, Brazilian exports to Arab countries reached a record high of USD 22 billion, clearly demonstrating the growing and increasingly important nature of this trade relationship for Brazil’s continued economic growth and prosperity. This record-breaking figure underscores the success of Chohfi’s efforts in promoting Brazilian products and services in the Arab world and fostering stronger business ties between the two regions.

Handing Over the Reins to William Adib Dib Jr.

In his heartfelt farewell speech, Rubens Chohfi expressed his unwavering confidence in the future of the ABCC under new leadership. He highlighted the institution’s robust and modern structure, its strategic alignment with current global trends, and its demonstrated preparedness to effectively achieve its stated goals. He emphasized the ABCC’s increasingly important role in the ever-strengthening bilateral relationship between Brazil and the Arab world. Chohfi also acknowledged the invaluable dedication and hard work of the ABCC staff, expressing his sincere certainty in their collective ability to overcome any future challenges that may arise. He warmly and enthusiastically welcomed his successor, William Adib Dib Jr., praising his vast experience, proven capability, keen business acumen, inherent kindness, and remarkable equanimity.

The official inauguration ceremony, led by Marcelo Sallum, chairman of the ABCC’s Board, served as a powerful testament to Chohfi’s remarkably successful leadership and the smooth and seamless transition of power. Sallum expressed his sincere and profound gratitude to Chohfi and his vice presidents for their unwavering commitment, demonstrated competence, and unwavering sense of responsibility towards the objectives and core values of the ABCC. He particularly highlighted Chohfi’s pivotal role in leading the ABCC through a period of significant growth, transformation, and adaptation. Rubens Chohfi will continue to contribute his valuable expertise and insights to the ABCC’s future as a respected member of the Advisory and Deliberative Council.

The Future of Arab-Brazilian Trade

The ABCC is exceptionally well-positioned for continued success and growth under the capable leadership of William Adib Dib Jr. Chohfi’s legacy is one of modernization, forward-thinking innovation, and strategic growth. He leaves behind a robust and highly effective institution that is well-equipped to navigate the inherent complexities of the global marketplace and capitalize on the vast and varied opportunities that lie ahead. The ABCC’s continued focus on digital transformation, strategic international expansion, and ongoing halal market development will remain crucial for its future success in an increasingly interconnected world.

The strong and lasting foundation built under Rubens Chohfi‘s leadership will enable the ABCC to further strengthen the vital ties between Brazil and the Arab world, promoting trade, stimulating investment, and fostering enriching cultural exchange. The ABCC plays an indispensable role in facilitating these crucial relationships, and with the strong foundation laid by Rubens Chohfi, the future of Arab-Brazilian trade looks exceptionally bright and promising. The organization’s unwavering dedication to fostering innovation, embracing cutting-edge digital technologies, and expanding its global reach will be instrumental in driving future growth and solidifying its position as a key player in international commerce. The ongoing commitment to halal market development, initiated under Rubens Chohfi‘s guidance, will also continue to be a strategic priority, enabling Brazilian businesses to tap into the immense potential of this rapidly growing and increasingly important global market.