Middle Eastern and Latin American countries have a long relationship established through mutual support in international organizations and a large, vibrant Arab diaspora living in Latin America. Trade relations and foreign investment between the two regions are modest yet steadily growing. The UAE accounted for 77 percent of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) investments in Latin American markets between 2016 and 2021, amounting to $4 billion. The second largest Middle East investor into Latin America is Saudi Arabia. Brazil accounts for the largest share of GCC imports from Latin America, or 42 percent, as the country is the largest producer and exporter of halal meat to the world. With global geopolitical shifts, south to south regional relationships are becoming more and more important to ensure growth and business resilience. In the light of Latin America's fast growth in strategic sectors such as health care, agriculture, and financial services, the region is attracting the attention of Middle East investors. The increasing trade partnerships between the UAE and LatAm (Chile, Colombia, and Belize) indicate the potential for greater economic cooperation and the integration of two emerging markets. How can the Middle East and LatAm work together to drive sustainable and inclusive growth in the post-Covid era?

Moderator

Suzanne Kianpour

Presenter, "Out of the Shadows", BBC; Host, "Women Building Peace"

Speakers

Arshi Ayub Zaveri

CEO, Trust with Trade Group

Marcelo Claure

Chairman and CEO, Claure Group

Oscar Fahlgren

Head of Brazil, Mubadala Investment Company