Invest RS, a tool of the Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development Plan, coordinated by the Secretariat of Economic Development (Sedec), opened an office in São Paulo on Monday (23/6), in a strategic move to get closer to the main economic center of Latin America. The space will function as a connection hub to expand the agency’s reach and the state’s competitiveness in the competition for investments on the national and international scene.
At an event attended by Governor Eduardo Leite and by more than 250 businesspeople from different parts of Brazil and representatives of the state government at Casa Fasano, the agency presented the state’s potential and the different services it provides. The vice president of Invest RS, Eduardo Lorea, is in charge of the office, located at Rua Leopoldo Couto Magalhães Júnior, 1098, suite 72, near Faria Lima.
The arrival of Invest RS in the capital of São Paulo symbolizes a new institutional phase of growth and expansion of operations, complementing its headquarters in Porto Alegre. The agency focuses on priority sectors for the development of the state, such as agriculture and automotive, energy transition products, forestry, pulp and paper, semiconductors, fertilizers, agricultural machinery, digital products and services, the petrochemical chain, regional products, tourism and health.
“Having an Invest RS office in São Paulo means opening a direct door between Rio Grande do Sul and the country’s financial center. This is where big business happens, and our state needs to be present where decisions are made. The first agreements signed today already show the potential of this presence. We are strengthening the government’s presence in the semiconductor sector based on a structured plan, with incentives, training of qualified workers and coordination with universities and innovation centers. What we are offering is a reliable base for Brazil to produce cutting-edge technology. The agreements signed today are just the beginning. They show that the market is paying attention and that Rio Grande do Sul is on the global radar of the new economy,” said Governor Eduardo Leite.
The Secretary of Economic Development, Ernani Polo, highlighted the importance of the agency’s arrival in the capital of São Paulo. “Invest RS’ presence in São Paulo is a bold plan, but one that requires planning. The agency works in conjunction with the Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development Plan, which gives us the perspective to dream and execute these dreams. The Plan encompasses the various segments of the economy that will be boosted and the various potentials we have, in areas such as renewable energy, in an energy transition process, and biofuels, which already have projects in the state,” explained Polo. “With the competitiveness moves made, Rio Grande do Sul is now able to meet the expectations of entrepreneurs. We are very excited about this step we are taking, inaugurating a new era for Rio Grande do Sul outside of our state. We will seek to move forward, creating all the conditions so that we can promote our products and attract investment.”
“This is another important step in the brief history of Invest RS. We arrived in São Paulo to expand the capacity to connect the economy of Rio Grande do Sul with major investments and with the world. The headquarters will be open to companies from our state to broaden the horizons of economic growth in Rio Grande do Sul,” said the president of Invest RS, Rafael Prikladnicki.
With a new physical base, it will be possible to work more closely with large corporations, associations and entities, facilitating dialogue and the construction of projects of mutual interest. The actions are aligned with the purposes of promoting sustainable development, reducing regional inequalities, improving the competitiveness of the economy of Rio Grande do Sul, creating opportunities for the future, generating jobs and income, and fostering innovation and the new economy.
Lorea stated that the physical presence in São Paulo represents a decisive step towards strengthening the competitiveness of Rio Grande do Sul. “This headquarters symbolizes our commitment to a more connected, innovative and attractive business environment, opening up new growth opportunities for the economy of Rio Grande do Sul,” he stressed.
To date, the agency has a forecast of over R$5 billion in investment and 4,466 jobs to be created with the projects under management. In addition, 482 contacts have been made with organizations, entities, embassies and companies and 36 participations have taken place in investment fairs and seminars. In total, 95 companies with projects have contacted the agency, there are 32 active projects and ten initiatives with terms of engagement.
Formalization of new projects
Also on the afternoon of this Monday (23/6), two documents were signed at the new headquarters, in partnership with the Secretariat of Innovation, Science and Technology (Sict), both in the area of semiconductors: a protocol of intentions with Tellescom Semicondutores and a cooperation agreement with Chipus Microeletrônica. The projects will result in investments of more than R$ 1 billion and the generation of one thousand new jobs.
