By Paulo Fernando Dias Feres
As many in Bangladesh are aware of, the Embassy of Brazil in Dhaka has submitted to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock of Bangladesh proposals for International Sanitary and Zoosanitary Certificates of genetic material, live animals, embryo, semen and rendering products, which are of great interest to local companies. The certification, if granted, combined with Brazil’s extensive experience and willingness to act in the field of technical cooperation with partner countries has the potential to enhance Bangladesh’s capabilities in this field, as well as lower the production costs for industries in the country.
The excellence of Brazilian agribusiness is internationally acknowledged, driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities in the countries where it operates. Through technical cooperation and strategic investment, it provides development and competitively priced food to a broader population, thereby enhancing food security.
The animal protein sector, of particular interest in Bangladesh, plays a pivotal role in Brazil, with the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC), the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) and the Brazilian Renderers Association (ABRA) serving as its primary representative bodies. These are internationally renowned institutions that bring together 435 companies, some of them with a strong global presence.
Brazilian livestock companies are expanding their activities in many African and Asian countries and might invest in Bangladesh, if the right conditions are attained. Due to its privileged geographical position, Bangladesh has the potential to become a hub for Brazilian exports to the major markets in Southeast Asia. Thriving partnerships and investments were established by Brazilian enterprises in different countries. In Saudi Arabia, a Brazilian poultry company invested US$ 160 million in its local production, which will be tripled in the next years. It is worth mentioning proposal to invest US$100 million in a factory in Vietnam.
Renewed investments and partnerships, combined with the high quality of Brazilian products, have a positive impact on trade flows and on the attraction of new investments. Brazilian livestock farming meets stringent international quality standards and ensures food safety and durability at all stages of transport and storage. The same is true in the context of Halal production. Brazil’s excellence in Halal Certification is globally recognized, as evidenced by the country’s exports to the following markets:
- United Arab Emirates US$ 1.60 billion
- Saudi Arabia US$ 1.00 billion
- Iraq US$ 0.44 billion
- Egypt US$ 0.39 billion
- Turkey US$ 0.34 billion
- Malasia US$ 0.07 billion
Bangladesh is the outstanding exception in the Muslim world. To exemplify the importance of this trade and the connections it brings about, allow me to mention that Brazilian agribusiness has achieved notable progress in sustainable production, balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Brazilian agribusiness represents an enduring evolution that originated in the 1970’s when the country was a net food importer. Since then, extensive production technologies have been developed and adapted to Brazil’s tropical climate and soil conditions, driven by sustained public and private investments in science, education and extension. Universities and research centers institutions like the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) played and still plays a fundamental role in this process. What Brazil has learned in the last 50 years and continues to learn every day can be easily replicated in Asia and Africa.
Besides, Brazil is currently the largest producer and exporter of sugar, coffee, soybeans, orange juice and stands out strongly in cotton, poultry, beef, tropical fruits, corn, processed products, pulp and paper, among other products. In 2024, exports totaled US$ 165 billion to more than 200 countries, which allowed the country to become the 2nd largest global food exporter. Brazil is today a champion of regenerative agriculture and cattle raising.
As one of the world’s leading agricultural producers, Brazil plays a vital role in ensuring food security for multiple countries across the globe. Since 2023, Brazilian agriculture has gained access to more than 380 markets around the world, supplying them with products that are competitive in terms of price and quality, in a timely manner, always following locally defined regulations.
Brazil has just obtained the “Certificate of Country Free from Foot and Mouth Disease” (FMD) and recovered its status of free of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), both from the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH).
Brazil and Bangladesh possess significant potential to enhance cooperation in this area. This potential faces, however, many barriers which are difficult to overcome. Nevertheless, Brazil looks forward to collaborating further to bring Brazilian and Bangladeshi businesspeople together to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes in this and other areas.
Finally, it is necessary to clarify that, although lowering production and distribution costs in Bangladesh is within reach , the right amount of any operation can be calculated only after actual negotiation between both private sectors take place.
Author: Paulo Fernando Dias Feres, Brazilian Ambassador to Bangladesh.
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