Abu dhabi: The Global Halal Brazil Business Forum (GHB), the largest event on halal opportunities in the Americas, opened on Monday in So Paulo with a focus on expanding Brazil’s trade with Islamic countries and integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into halal practices.
According to Emirates News Agency, the biennial forum, now in its third edition, is jointly organised by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) and FAMBRAS Halal Certifier. During the opening session, Mohamad Orra Mourad, ABCC’s Vice President for International Relations and Secretary-General, highlighted Brazil’s position as the world’s largest halal protein exporter. In 2024, sales to the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reached US$6 billion. The total food and beverage exports to these countries during the same period amounted to US$28 billion.
Despite this significant trade volume, Mourad noted there remains considerable potential for growth. He emphasised the need to diversify the export portfolio, which currently focuses mainly on basic products like meat and agricultural commodities. Mourad also pointed out that the Muslim population is predominantly young and growing faster than the global average, providing vast business opportunities with OIC nations. He stressed the importance of strengthening institutional collaboration to create a more favourable environment for business between Brazilian and OIC entrepreneurs.
FAMBRAS Halal President Mohamed Hussein El Zoghbi stated that the 2025 forum’s theme, ‘Halal Green’, underscores the connection between sustainability and the shared ethical principles of ESG and halal. ESG principles reflect a company’s responsibility toward the environment, employees, society, and corporate governance, while halal emphasises purity, hygiene, and animal welfare. El Zoghbi remarked, ‘Quality and price are no longer enough-the world demands ethics and purpose towards people and the planet.’
Alisson Navarro, Vice President of Beef at MBRF-a Brazilian company formed by the merger of Marfrig and BRF-highlighted the group’s long-standing relationship with Arab markets. Brands like Sadia have been market leaders in the Gulf for over 50 years, building a partnership based on shared values. ‘It is a relationship that values not only the products but also the principles,’ Navarro added.
Palestine’s Ambassador and Dean of the Arab Ambassadors Council in Braslia, Ibrahim Alzeben, affirmed that the participation of Arab diplomats in the forum demonstrates the trust Arab countries place in Brazil as a partner for halal products. However, he emphasised that the ties between the two sides extend beyond trade. ‘Brazil is globally recognised for the excellence of its halal products, which reinforces its image as a reliable and competitive partner. But there is still much room to expand this cooperation by integrating more sectors, promoting investments, and strengthening the cultural and human ties that unite our peoples,’ Alzeben said.