The state of Espírito Santo occupies 0.5% of the Brazilian territory, has 1.8% of the population and a share of the GDP of 2.2%. The investments announced for the state, between 2014-2018, exceed 113 billion reais in public and private sectors, distributed among the sectors of infrastructure, industry, commerce and leisure and other services.
Considering the total confirmed investments by sector (in the environmental licensing process), it can be seen that 82.5% (more than 60 billion reais) is destined for the oil and gas sector, both on-shore and off-shore, including shipyards, ports and port bases, representing a great opportunity for the future of the state.
The state of Espírito Santo has the second largest proven oil reserves in Brazil, with almost 9% of the total, second only to Rio de Janeiro, which accounts for more than 80% of proven reserves.
There is great expectation that the activities of exploration, extraction, transportation and processing of oil and gas can generate profound changes in the economy of Espírito Santo, not only due to the direct impact that the growth of the sector will have on the state's GDP, but also due to the possibility of irradiation to other chains.
The densification of the oil sector will enable the emergence of new sectors within the local economy, such as the petrochemical, fertilizer, naval and metalworking chains, with high added value investments, requiring technology and skilled labor. There is also a vast set of activities demanded by this industry, such as hotel, food, transport and logistics services, which will benefit from this activity.
The promotion of local companies for large industrial ventures has been growing annually. With the expansion of the activities of the PDF-ES (Supplier Development Program), local participation grew from 8.5% in the period 1995-1998 to more than 50% in the period 2010-2014.
However, investments in the oil and gas sector and improvements in the mining, steel, cellulose and energy sectors will require technologies not yet mastered by suppliers to the Espírito Santo base industry.
Given this scenario, it is necessary to seek actions aimed at improving the productive sectors, providing them with greater added value and increasing the participation of their products in local, national and international markets. All of this is essential to improving the state's competitiveness.
Exports from Espírito Santo are dominated by basic and semi-finished products, representing more than 85% of total exports. Imports are predominantly manufactured products, accounting for more than 80% of all imported goods.
The trade balance needs to change. Investments must be made in technology and innovation to increase the value of goods and products produced in the state. To achieve this, it is essential to focus on professional, higher and technical training, especially in engineering.
Currently, in the international market, Asia and Europe are the continents that make the most purchases from the state. However, in recent years, due to population growth, Africa has become the major global focus and potential market.
In the national scenario, the states in the southeast region have a purchase volume of over 70%, and this market tends to continue as they show continuous growth. However, expectations for sales to the states in the north, northeast and central west regions are beginning to increase, as they have shown, in the last 10 years, higher growth than other regions and Brazil as a whole. In addition, these regions have been receiving a large amount of investment, presenting an opportunity to expand business with Espírito Santo.
The state of Espírito Santo has a different range of production chains that must be worked on to increase competitive insertion and take advantage of opportunities.
These aspects show that, in order to be competitive, local industry needs to develop markets and products, and it is necessary to create conditions that guarantee an attractive economic environment that stimulates diversification, innovation and values the creative industry.
Within this context, MECSHOW 2014, to be held in July 2014, in Carapina, Serra, will present several panels and technical courses, with international and national speakers of recognized competence in the topics of oil and gas, naval industry, alternative energy and innovation, aiming to collaborate with the development of companies and professionals from Espírito Santo.
