(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil called for an increase in Lebanese exports to Brazil on Saturday, urging other South American countries to adopt free trade agreements with Lebanon during his visit to Brazil.
“Lebanon’s exports are in 11th place out of Arab countries exporting goods to Brazil, instead of being the first, considering the country exports its most valuable resource – which is you,” Bassil told an audience of Lebanese diaspora during a luncheon with the Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.
He left Beirut on Tuesday for the outreach trip.
Bassil said Lebanon exports a meager $2 million or good annually to Brazil, compared with $360 billion from the entire Arab world.
Bassil discussed the issue of flights between Lebanon and Brazil with the Brazilian foreign minister, suggesting that Brazilian airlines begin direct flights to Lebanon.
“The Arab- Brazilian Chamber of Commerce should encourage the movement of trade and exports between Lebanon and Brazil, in cooperation with embassies and consulates and concerned ministries, especially the Economy and Trade Ministry,” Bassil said.
Bassil is in Brazil to discuss relations between the two countries, meet members of the Lebanese diaspora, and watch the World Cup final games.