Jorge Arbache

Background

About Jorge Arbache

Jorge Arbache is a leading Brazilian economist whose career spans academia, government, multilateral organizations, and development finance. He is widely recognized for his expertise in development economics, sustainable finance, and green industrial policy, particularly in emerging economies. His work has influenced key policy debates on industrial strategy, sustainable growth, global value chains, and the digital and green transitions in Latin America. He is best known for coining the concept of "powershoring"—a strategy that promotes relocating energy-intensive industries to regions with abundant, clean, and low-cost energy, such as Latin America and the Caribbean. He advocates powershoring as a lever for decarbonization, sustainable industrialization, and inclusive growth. Academic and professional background: Arbache holds degrees in Economics and Law, and earned a Master’s and Ph.D. in Economics. He is a Professor of Economics at the University of Brasília (UnB), where he teaches and researches development economics, trade, and productivity. He has authored four books and dozens of academic papers, with over 4,100 citations. Development finance and multilateral roles: Until recently, he was Vice President for the Private Sector at CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, leading efforts to promote sustainable investment and regional development. He previously served as a Senior Economist at the World Bank and the International Labour Organization, working on growth, labor markets, poverty, and services. Public sector leadership: In Brazil, Arbache served as Chief Economist and Deputy Secretary for International Affairs at the Ministry of Planning, and as Senior Economic Advisor at the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES). Public engagement and influence: A respected public intellectual, Arbache is a regular columnist at Valor Econômico, Brazil’s leading financial newspaper, writing on trade, competitiveness, green transition, investment strategies, and emerging trends like powershoring. Given his broad expertise and active role in public debate, Jorge Arbache is recognized as a key voice on Brazil’s economic outlook and Latin America’s strategic position in the global green transition.