Bilateral relations between Egypt and Brazil are historical and based on strong, longstanding ties of friendship and confidence. Both countries are opening up new horizons for co-operation in diverse fields, making best use of political moments over the last period. In an interview with the Egyptian Mail, the Brazilian Ambassador to Egypt Antonio de Aguiar Patriota highlighted the key areas of ongoing and future co-operation between the two countries.
Political momentum
Ambassador Patriota said that despite the geographical distance, bilateral ties are witnessing remarkable progress, especially following the visit of Brazil Vice President Antonio Hamilton Mourao in 2021.
“This visit is a strategic milestone,” the ambassador said.
The Brazilian Vice President Mourau was received by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and held talks with top Egyptian officials including Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli to discuss ways of giving bilateral relations extra boost.
“There has been lengthy and productive discussion with President Sisi covering wide range of bilateral topics including new areas for co-operation. The talks tackled challenges and opportunities in Egypt and the region in general,” the ambassador added.
“I have been in Cairo for two years and this coincided with the pandemic. It was not easy to keep the flow of diplomatic visits, but 2021 was a great year for political contact between the two countries,” he said.
During the historic visit by the Brazilian vice president, the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce launched its office in Cairo. Since its establishment in 1952, the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (CCAB) has played a remarkable role in promoting common interests between Brazil and the Arab World, acting as catalyst for bilateral trade and investment opportunities, according to the ambassador.
“In 2021, trade between Brazil and Arab countries reached $24.25 billion, the highest level since 2014. Collectively, the Arab countries constitute the third largest market for Brazilian exports in the world,” the ambassador said.
Closer economic ties
As for economic ties, the ambassador said that Egypt has been for many years the main market for Brazilian exports in Africa. Brazilian exports to Egypt reached $482 million in January-February 2022, which represents an increase of 70.7 per cent compared to the same period last year. Egyptian exports to Brazil amounted in turn to $67 million, which represents an increase of more than 50 per cent compared to the same period last year.
“In 2021, our trade flow reached US$ 2.5 billion, the best result since 2017.”
The ambassador elaborated that traditionally, the main items imported from Egypt are fertilisers. Currently, fertilizers account for 55 per cent of total Egyptian exports to Brazil, followed by iron and steel bars (17 per cent), glassware (4.9 per cent), and ethylene polymers (3.7 per cent). There are also other products that Brazil imports from Egypt, but on a smaller scale, such as garlic, olives and oranges among other fruits and nuts.
The ambassador also referred to the MERCOSUR agreement with Egypt.
“In force since 2017, the MERCOSUR-Egypt Free Trade Agreement (FTA) created opportunities for both parties, being the first agreement of its kind between the South American bloc and an Arab/African country. The FTA covers 9,800 tariff lines and foresees the possibility of future understandings for access to services and investments. It is expected that, within ten years, 99 per cent of traded products will be tariff-free,” he explained.
“Additionally, since the agreement entered into force in 2017, we have witnessed a very significant increase in Egyptian exports to Brazil, of about 348 per cent. Promoting awareness about the FTA among authorities and business communities of both countries is a helpful way to disseminate the vast benefits and facilities provided by the agreement, contributing to its comprehensive implementation,” he said.
The ambassador went on to say that with the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Zone (ZLCCA), Egypt may become one of the main gateways for African markets.
Pushing for direct flights
Regarding the possibility of direct flights between the two countries, the ambassador said that there has been progress in negotiations with the Egyptian authorities to establish a direct air link between Cairo and São Paulo, to be operated by EgyptAir.
“Once established, this new flight route will provide opportunities for increased commercial, touristic and cultural exchanges between our two countries and respective regions,” he noted.
COP27 preparations
Having hosted in 2012 the Rio+20 Conference, one of the largest UN conferences ever held, Brazil acquired extensive experience in negotiations and consensus-building with a view to fostering our common goal of sustainable development.
Considered by many as a ‘green powerhouse’, Brazil is not only home to the world’s largest rainforest, but is also the most biodiverse country on the planet. About 60 per cent per cent of Brazilian territory is covered by forests, and 83 per cent of the electricity generated in Brazil comes from renewable sources.
“These characteristics, combined with our history of active engagement in international environment negotiations, reinforce Brazil’s position as one of the main international players in the climate debate. In his recent visit to Brazil, some weeks ago, the President of COP26, Alok Sharma, met with several Brazilian authorities, including Vice-President Hamilton Mourão, and discussed Brazil’s collaborative approach at Glasgow, with the announcement of our long-term strategy for reaching climate neutrality 2050 and our commitment to zero illegal deforestation by 2030,” the ambassador said.
As for Egypt, Brazil, the ambassador said, acknowledges the efforts and commitments made by Egypt last year, especially the launching of the National Climate Strategy for 2050 and the pledge to expand Egypt’s renewable energy capacity to cover 42 per cent of the country’s electricity needs by 2030.
“We are aware that, despite accounting for only 0.6 per cent of world’s carbon emissions, Egypt is disproportionately affected by the negative effects of climate change. Brazil welcomes Egypt’s leadership in hosting COP27, especially for prioritising issues of utmost importance, such as mitigation and adaptation to climate change, as well as climate financing for developing countries,” the ambassador affirmed.
Promising areas for co-operation
Thanks to political momentum, there are more areas that will witness further co-operation in the upcoming period, bearing mind that this year Brazil marks the 200th year of its independence. Ambassador Patriota revealed that defence is one of the key sectors that will witness more co-operation in the upcoming period.
“Brazil is an elected member of United Nations Security Council for the eleventh time. There is close coordination with Egypt Ambassador to the UN,” the ambassador said.
As for tourism, the ambassador referred to the World Travel Market held in São Paulo. The event invites the world to Latin America’s travel industry providing networking opportunities. According to the ambassador, ten Egyptian tourist operators attended this important event.
The ambassador pointed out that there are two ministerial visits in the offing. The Brazilian agriculture minister is expected to visit Egypt very soon to widen the scope of cooperation in agricultural field. The ambassador said agricultural sector is one of the areas of excellence in Brazil.
“There will be more cooperation between the agricultural research institutes in both countries as Brazil has a leading experience in agriculture in tropical climate,” he said.
On cultural level, the ambassador said that the embassy is keen on boosting such ties, referring to last year’s exhibit ‘Back to Egypt: A Brazilian Collection of Photographs’ that was held to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first visit to Egypt by Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil. The exhibition showcased more than 90 high-resolution copies of photographs that gave Brazilians a first-hand perception of Egypt.
The ambassador went on to say that many Brazilians also took part in the film festivals here, noting that a Brazilian director was on the jury at the last Cairo Film Festival.
“Though Egypt has long history, it has interest to modernise itself. Brazil is also characterised by youthfulness of thought. I am optimistic that the upcoming period will witness more progress in diverse domains.”
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