Piracicaba industry seeks competitiveness and dialogue with public authorities Credit: Disclosure After completing 259 years, Piracicaba has industry as one of the main drivers of its economy. The metalworking sector, made up of companies of different sizes and segments, faces challenges ranging from increased international competition to difficulties in accessing credit, professional qualifications and infrastructure. For the president of Simespi (employer union of the metal-mechanical industries of Piracicaba, Saltinho and Rio das Pedras), Paulo Estevam Camargo, overcoming this scenario requires coordinated action between the productive sector and the constituted powers, especially the Executive and Legislative branches in their various spheres. One of the most urgent problems is the impact of the 37.5% tariff imposed by the United States on Brazilian products at the end of July. For companies in the region that export machinery, equipment and components, the measure represents a loss of competitiveness and the risk of a reduction in business. In Camargo's assessment, the federal government must expand commercial diplomacy and seek negotiations that reduce tariffs, in addition to creating support mechanisms for affected companies. The National Congress, in turn, can contribute to measures that stimulate exports and strengthen the competitiveness of Brazilian industry in the international market. Another challenge is the so-called Brazil cost, which reduces companies' investment capacity and makes competition with other countries difficult. In this field, the industry expects advances in the regulation of tax reform, simplification of processes and greater legal certainty. For the president of Simespi, the federal Legislature has an important role in building a more favorable environment for production and investments, while the Executive must ensure that changes actually result in reduced bureaucracy and greater efficiency for companies. Despite the challenges, Camargo assesses that Piracicaba has the conditions to expand its industrial participation Credit: Disclosure Igor Mello Infrastructure is also seen as a decisive factor for regional competitiveness. High logistics costs and the need for improvements in the integration between highways, railways and other modes directly impact the industry. “Therefore, the expectation is that the federal and state governments will increase investments in infrastructure and logistics, creating better conditions for the flow of production and for attracting new investments to Piracicaba and the region”, he highlights. Professional qualification is another point of attention. The rapid technological transformation of the industry increases the demand for professionals prepared for new roles and production processes. In this aspect, Camargo defends an even greater rapprochement between companies, technical schools, universities and institutions such as Senai, with support from the state government, to expand the offer of courses aligned with the real needs of the job market. For Camargo, these themes need to be present on the agenda of governments and parliamentarians, especially in light of this year's elections, when the president of the Republic, governors, senators and state and federal deputies will be chosen. "The productive sector needs to be heard in the formulation of public policies. We have concrete challenges and we need objective responses. The federal government can act on commercial, tax and credit policy; the state government, on infrastructure and professional qualification; and the Legislature, on the construction of a simpler and safer regulatory environment", he states. The president of Simespi highlights that the entity maintains channels of dialogue with the different spheres of public power precisely to present these demands and seek solutions. The strategy, according to him, is to maintain permanent institutional action, regardless of party positions. "Our commitment is to defend the interests of the industry and contribute to the development of Piracicaba and the region. We need to maintain dialogue with all sectors of public power and work so that decisions taken in Brasília and São Paulo also consider the reality of those who produce, invest and create jobs in the interior", he highlights. Despite the challenges, Paulo assesses that Piracicaba has the conditions to expand its industrial participation. The presence of consolidated companies, a diversified metal-mechanical chain and the capacity for innovation are important assets. To transform this potential into new investments and jobs, however, it will be necessary to advance in competitiveness, infrastructure, qualification and market opening. "At 259 years old, Piracicaba continues with the challenge of strengthening its economy and preparing the industry for an increasingly competitive scenario. For Simespi, building this future involves joining efforts between companies, representative entities and public authorities", concludes the director.