Arab Chamber branches into innovation

São Paulo – As economic transformation in Arab nations becomes a driving force, the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce is expanding its focus beyond traditional trade between Brazil and the Arab market, stated Karen Mizuta, Head of Arab Chamber International Consulting and ABCC Lab, during a panel discussion at Rio Innovation Week.

This global conference on technology and innovation, held in Rio de Janeiro from Tuesday to Friday, featured experts from various sectors discussing the role of chambers of commerce and global organizations as connectors in the new world stage. Mizuta emphasized that while connecting countries in traditional trade remains a mission, there is growing demand for internationalization in services, technology, and tech-driven companies.

To address this, the chamber created the ABCC Lab, a platform to bridge Brazilian and Arab innovation ecosystems, sharing knowledge and broadening their impact. The rapid economic diversification in Arab countries, driven by national strategies like Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's We the UAE 2031, with innovation and technology as key pillars, has fueled this demand for new connections and opportunities.

Mizuta highlighted the evolution of work beyond traditional business realms to rapport-building and dialogue among universities, the tech sector, and other stakeholders. By facilitating the exchange of knowledge, the chamber enables reciprocal benefits. Other panelists included Rui Mucaje, president of the Afro-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce; Tulio Cariello, director of Research at the Brazil-China Business Council; and Daniel Marques, advisor to the Federation of Foreign Trade Chambers, who moderated the discussion.

The event also featured Consul General of Angola in Rio de Janeiro, Mateus de Sá Miranda Neto. Rio Innovation Week showcased tech and innovation through multiple perspectives, offering interactive experiences, 60 conferences, 2,200 startups, and 430 exhibitors. Notable participants included Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, who discussed education, innovation, and Brazil's future role.