The business roundtables between Brazilian and foreign businessmen during the 71st ExpoZebu, which took place between April 29 and May 10 in the city of Uberaba (in the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais), resulted in possible business deals for the value of US$ 259,700.
The roundtables were organized by the Brazilian Cattle Genetics Consortium, formed by biotechnology companies, and other companies that promote exports of live cattle, bovine semen and embryos, genetic improvement services, seeds for pasture and veterinary products.
However, according to the international relations advisor at the consortium, Guilherme Rocha Soares, the value of potential business may increase.
The final results will only be known on the second half of June, after the associated companies present reports on their performance at the fair as a whole, and not only for the roundtables.
Soares believes the total sum of business deals with foreigners may reach US$ 3.5 million, based on the 2004 fair turnover, in which the business deals added up to US$ 3.2 million.
“All companies have already informed that this year was better,” he assured.
In all, 531 foreigners from 28 countries passed by the ExpoZebu “International Hall”. Amongst these countries are the United States, China, Venezuela, Egypt, Australia, Angola, Holland, Italy, South Africa and Mexico.
According to Soares, however, the greater part of the business volume should be confirmed with businessmen from South American countries, as well as Angola.
He believes, however, that there is great potential in Egypt and China.
“If Brazil had these two markets it wouldn’t have to work for anybody else,” he declared.
In the case of Egypt, he evaluates that there is the demand to export 10,000 heads of live cattle a month.
“As well being a port of entry to other Arab countries, they are interested in importing the live animal for the halal ritual and also to use local workforce,” he highlighted.
But for the business deals to happen, Brazil and Egypt have to sign a sanitary agreement. There are already some attempts for a protocol for trading live animals.
ANBA – Brazil-Arab News Agency – www.anba.com.br