Prime Highlights
- Abou Zaki proposes AI trade bridge, digital matchmaking platform, and trilingual deal platform for Arab-Brazil trade.
- Arab-Brazil trade hits a record $33.87 billion in 2024, with Brazilian exports reaching $23.68 billion.
Key Facts
- Orient Planet Group chief calls for AI and tech integration to strengthen Arab-Brazil economic ties.
- AI could add up to $320 billion to the Middle East economy by 2030.
Background
Dr. Nidal Abou Zaki, Managing Director of Orient Planet Group, wants stronger AI and technology integration to deepen economic ties between the Arab world and Brazil.
He spoke at a panel during the fifth Brazil and Arab Countries Economic Forum, organised by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce. He said moving toward digital collaboration could open fresh opportunities for businesses in both regions.
He laid out several initiatives to strengthen cross-border ties. These include an AI trade bridge for real-time demand forecasts and faster customs clearance, a digital matchmaking platform, and a live trilingual deal platform covering English, Arabic, and Portuguese.
He additionally called for year-round B2B virtual business events, a fintech partnership joining Brazil’s Pix payment system with Arab payment systems, a joint startup accelerator, and a talent exchange program spanning both regions.
Language and distance have long complicated relations between the Arab world and Brazil, Abou Zaki noted, adding that advanced technologies now narrow those gaps. Bilateral trade between the regions reached a record $33.87 billion in 2024. Brazilian exports to Arab countries reached $23.68 billion that year, making Arab countries the third-leading destination for Brazilian exports.
Abou Zaki pointed to growth areas beyond food and energy, naming fintech, AI, and cybersecurity as sectors with strong potential. AI could add up to $320 billion to the Middle East economy by 2030, he said. The forum drew leaders from Brazil and 22 Arab countries to discuss deeper technological cooperation.
