As digital transformation reinvents the global economy, Brazil has an opportunity to leverage technology in manufacturing to create new jobs and radically transform the country’s industrial sector, according to the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit, GMIS, which is holding its inaugural event in Abu Dhabi from March 27th to 30th.

The claim comes as representatives from the GMIS gathered with Brazil’s top manufacturing and industry representatives in Sao Paulo, to sign an MoU with the National Confederation of Industry, CNI. The MoU will look at ways in which the two sides can work together to explore how the fourth industrial revolution, or 4IR, can help transform Brazil’s industrial sector, especially in areas of manufacturing strength such as food and agriculture, automotive, petroleum and mining, steel, chemicals, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. The partnership will also serve to foster opportunities provided by fast-developing global value chains between all of the partners and participants of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit, which includes major global manufacturers, small businesses and entrepreneurs, and the world’s policymakers.

Brazilian manufacturers and politicians are participating in the Summit to help further strengthen the country’s manufacturing sector, which is the third-largest in the Americas, accounting for almost 30 percent of Gross Domestic Product. The country, through both industry and government, is investing heavily in innovation and technology.

An interactive group discussion during the event brought to light some of the most pressing topics faced by the manufacturing and industry sector, including the effect technology will have on the sector over the next 10 to 20 years, how stakeholders can contribute to supporting businesses in embracing disruptive technologies, and how companies must change to cope with technological developments.

The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit is being held at the Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, PSUAD, and will bring together leaders from the manufacturing industry across business, government and civil society to help shape the future of manufacturing, focusing on the transformational role of technology and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

More than 1,200 delegates are expected to attend, including world leaders, industry CEOs, policy-makers, specialist researchers and academics. It is planned that GMIS will be held in leading global cities every other year, after launching in Abu Dhabi.