BRASÍLIA: Ambassador of Brazil Claudio Raja Gabaglia Lins on Monday said Brazil was the most prominent trade partner of Pakistan in Latin America and his country was keen to enhance trade relations with Pakistan.
He was exchanging these views with Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Acting President Saqib Rafiq during his visit to the chamber. Former RCCI president Dr Hasan Sarosh Akram, Vice President Muhammad Aqil Obaid, Secretary General Irfan Manan and executive committee members were also present on the occasion.
The envoy said Brazilian economy has been ranked second largest economy in Latin America, adding that more than 30% of exports are being carried out in agriculture and livestock sector. “Brazil has improved its per hector yield through double cropping, corn after soybean. Poultry meat has a huge potential and Pakistani exporters can take benefit from Brazilian expertise in this sector. Brazil covers more than 42% of its energy need through renewable energy. We are ready to help Pakistan to meet its energy need via renewable energy resources, like wind, solar and coal,” he added.
Lins informed the traders that the current trade volume between the two countries falls around $300 million, which is very low, adding that Brazil’s major imports from Pakistan are sports items, surgical tools, cotton, polymer and paper.
Speaking on the occasion, RCCI Acting President Saqib Rafiq underscored the need to translate the existing goodwill in building solid trade and commercial ties between the two countries. He suggested that Brazilian expertise in information technology, dairy farming, livestock and renewable energy and infrastructure sectors is much needed in Pakistan. “There is a need to explore non-conventional sectors like gem and jewellery, marble, information technology and pharmaceutical,” he added.
The acting president advised the envoy to focus on increasing Pakistan’s exports to Brazil and attracting Brazilian investment for joint ventures. “In order to take the benefit out of the existing opportunities, exchange of trade delegations is important. Single country exhibitions can be a great source of introducing products in each other’s market,” he added.
He said that a Brazilian information desk is required in the chamber where members can get informational catalogues and brochures. He invited the envoy to bring Brazilian companies’ representatives in the upcoming international trade and expo conference being organised by RCCI in August. A short presentation on RCCI’s current and upcoming events was also shown to the envoy.
