MUSCAT: Trade between Brazil and Oman has been steadily increasing in the last few years, though has reached $1.1 billion in 2014, said a senior official at the Embassy of Brazil in Muscat, who sees great potential to expand and diversify bilateral exchanges.
However, if triangular trade (Brazil-UAE-Oman) is considered, the amount will be higher,” Rafael Magno Maciel Costa e Brito, vice consul and commercial attaché at the Embassy of Brazil, said.
In 2014, Brazil exported $859.3 million to Oman and imported $243.1 million from the Sultanate, he noted.
Asked about the main imports and exports, the official said that the main Brazilian imports from Oman in 2014 were urea, gasoil and sardines, while iron ore, chicken meat and frozen chicken topped the list of Brazil’s exports to the Sultanate.
“Triangular trade plays an important role, especially in its list of products. It is not unusual to find Brazilian food and textile items, leather shoes, household items, especially the Tramontina brand,” added Brito.
Brazil has an interest in exporting more agribusiness products such as orange juice, coffee and soybeans, he said, adding that Brazilian halal meat products, soft drinks, fresh fruit and other food products, minerals and handmade crafts could also find a market in Oman.
The commercial attaché at the Embassy of Brazil also highlighted the fact that Brazil had sold Embraer aircraft to Oman which are being used by Oman Air, noting that the defence sector is a potential area where the two countries can co-operate.
“Brazil’s aircraft manufacturer Embraer also builds military planes, such as the Emb 314, known as Super Tucano, which are employed by many air forces around the globe for light air support and border protection. Embraer has just launched the KC-390, a modern cargo aircraft which is already being actively sold,” he said.
According to Brito, there are also many defence companies in Brazil which can provide advanced solutions, such as MECTRON (missiles), Avibrás (rocket launch systems used by neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia) and many more.
Commenting on other opportunities for co-operation between Brazil and Oman, the official said, “There are many areas where we can strengthen our commercial partnership, especially in agriculture. It is also possible to share co-operation and experiences in metrology, standardisation and quality, intellectual property and industrial co-operation. It is also important to mention the oil sector, where both Brazil and Oman have very good expertise.”
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