WhatsApp has launched Meta Business Agent, a new AI-powered tool that will help businesses talk to customers more quickly and easily. According to a WhatsApp press release, the announcement was made during the company’s third annual Business Summit held in Mumbai.

The new AI tool can answer customer questions, suggest products, book appointments, collect customer details, and even help businesses complete sales. It can also work 24 hours a day and provide business owners with summaries of customer chats, helping them manage their business more efficiently.

For large companies, WhatsApp has also introduced the Meta Business Agent Platform. This platform allows businesses to create their own AI assistants and connect them with services such as Shopify, Zendesk and Shopee, making customer support faster and more organised.

Meta India Managing Director and Country Head Arun Srinivas said messaging has become one of the most popular ways for businesses and customers to connect in India. He added that Meta Business Agent will help companies improve customer service, save time and grow their business using AI.

WhatsApp also said companies like Swiggy, Madhulika Enterprises and Kaizen Adventours are already using the AI tool to improve customer support and increase efficiency. The company also announced that users will soon be able to search for businesses directly on WhatsApp and easily share business contacts with friends and family.