The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Brazil and the Government of the State of Minas Gerais are strengthening economic dialogue and exploring new opportunities for trade, investment and long-term partnerships across strategic sectors.
A delegation from Minas Gerais met with His Excellency Sharif Essa Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to the Federative Republic of Brazil, to present the state’s economic potential and discuss areas of mutual interest with UAE companies.
During the meeting, Luiz Otávio Gonçalves, Secretary General of the Government of Minas Gerais, and Mila Costa, Secretary of State for Economic Development, formally delivered an official letter inviting a UAE delegation to visit the state. The proposed visit will enable UAE representatives to engage directly with government authorities, institutions and companies and explore potential investment opportunities.
“Minas Gerais is one of Brazil's most dynamic and competitive states. Its diversified economy, strong export-oriented profile, and commitment to innovation and sustainability make it a natural economic partner for the United Arab Emirates,” said H.E. Ambassador Al Suwaidi. “We welcome the opportunity to deepen this dialogue and to identify areas where our countries can build long-term partnerships that generate value for both sides.”
The discussions covered various sectors, including infrastructure, logistics, aviation, energy, sustainable fuels, agribusiness, food security, mining, technology and innovation. Minas Gerais combines a diversified industrial base with strong agricultural and mineral production and an increasingly important technology ecosystem, offering opportunities for greater commercial ties with the UAE and, through the UAE, with markets in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
The meeting represented an important step toward strengthening ties between the two sides and highlighting opportunities available in Minas Gerais, according to Mila Costa.
“We were very warmly received by the Embassy of the UAE and by the Ambassador, who presented us with a number of UAE investors interested in learning about opportunities in Minas Gerais. Our expectations are among the best possible because there are many affinities between the State of Minas Gerais and the United Arab Emirates, with a convergence of interests that can promote economic development in strategic areas for both Minas Gerais and the UAE,” Costa said.
The meeting also highlighted existing UAE engagement in Brazil, including Mubadala Capital’s project through Acelen Renováveis to establish a macaúba-based value chain and develop a large-scale biorefinery focused on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel.
“The UAE recognizes the tremendous potential of the State of Minas Gerais as a strategic economic partner. The state has strong capabilities in areas that are increasingly important to the UAE, including food security, energy, logistics, innovation and sustainable development,” said Muna Al Falahi, Head of Economic Affairs. “The UAE Embassy in Brazil will continue to facilitate dialogue between institutions and companies from both sides and support opportunities for long-term cooperation.”
Aviation and logistics were also highlighted as areas with potential for greater cooperation, with Belo Horizonte International Airport – Confins serving as an important logistics platform for the state, while UAE companies already have a strong presence in Brazil's aviation and logistics sectors.
“We were very well received, and this opens doors for future partnerships. We came here to understand what Minas Gerais needs to do to establish good contracts, partnerships and cooperation with the United Arab Emirates. We came to listen, and we were also heard, which was a pleasure. It was a very productive conversation and, I am certain, it will be only the first of many others to come,” said Luiz Otávio Gonçalves, Secretary General of the Government of Minas Gerais.
The meeting brought together representatives of the UAE Embassy, the Government of Minas Gerais, Invest Minas, Belo Horizonte International Airport–Confins, AD Ports Group, Abu Dhabi Investment Company, dnata and other UAE companies.
Following the meeting, the UAE Embassy’s Economic Section will continue working with the Government of the State of Minas Gerais, Invest Minas and the private sector to facilitate institutional connections and identify concrete areas for future cooperation.
