(MENAFN- Brazil-Arab News Agency (ANBA)) São Paulo – Karen Mizuta, Head of International Consulting and of the CCAB Lab at the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC ), gave the lecture“Internationalization of Startups to Arab Countries” at REC'nPlay, a digital innovation event held in Recife, Brazil's Pernambuco state. In her presentation, Mizuta introduced the 22 Arab countries of the Middle East and North Africa and the potential they offer for startups looking to expand beyond Brazil.

Mizuta said companies often look to the United States, Europe, or even China as the first destination of their internationalization process. However, there are Arab countries that are investing heavily in the digital environment and are open to receiving foreign companies. This is the case with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Jordan and Morocco are also nations with a growing digital culture, especially in the gaming sector.

“I talked about opportunities, introduced the Arab countries and their [innovation] ecosystems, and explained what opportunities each one offers. People wanted to know about economic openness to foreigners and the regulations in each country,” said Mizuta, who also leads the CCAB Lab, the ABCC's innovation hub.

In the North African countries, Mizuta pointed out during the lecture, there are opportunities for agtech, fintech, and foodtech companies, as well as for e-commerce and innovative logistics projects. The Gulf countries, in turn, are an advanced hub for artificial intelligence and deeptech companies, which offer high-impact solutions but require significant investment in research and development.

Mizuta also outlined a pathway for a company looking to operate in an Arab country. It can establish itself in the UAE or Qatar, hire professionals from talent markets such as Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan, and then expand operations to Saudi Arabia. In return, the company must bring innovation, invest in regional training, and identify which of its services can meet local needs.

REC'nPlay is a culture and technology festival held at various locations across Recife until Saturday. It offers over 600 free activities, including cultural events, lectures, and discussion panels. While covering a range of topics, its main focus is creative economy and innovation. The festival is organized by Porto Digital, the technology district celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year, Ampla Comunicação, and Sebrae, which promotes the competitiveness of small businesses. The ABCC was invited to participate by the city's export promotion and international trade agency, Investe Recife.

Read more:
Arab-Brazilian Chamber joins innovation event

Translated by Guilherme Miranda

Mary Lira/Rec'nPlay/Supplied

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