Forum points out ways to recover competitiveness in RN

How can we recover Rio Grande do Norte’s competitiveness and expand connections between the public and private spheres? These were the central questions of the “Paths to the Future” Forum, held in reference to the 75th anniversary of the Federation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism of the State (Fecomércio RN) last Wednesday, April 24th. Bringing together economic experts, representatives of the economic segment, the State Government and Natal City Hall, the event highlighted investment opportunities in the state and the potential of the municipalities that drive the economy.

According to the president of Fecomércio RN, Marcelo Queiroz, one of the main purposes was to encourage participants to think about new strategies based on dialogues around entrepreneurship and Public Private Partnerships (PPP’S). This is a search for strengthening already observed in the history of the Federation, which seeks to expand its presence throughout the State, whether through physical units or mobile services that provide services in areas such as culture, health and professional training.

And 75 years old arrive with expectations of growing even more. This year, especially, investments are being made for modernizations and renovations at the Sesc Potilândia, Hotel Sesc Enseada, Senac Alecrim and Hotel-Escola Senac Barreira Roxa units. In addition to this, a unified headquarters is being built to concentrate the administrations of the three houses of the Fecomércio System.

The Federation’s investment scenario takes place at a time when the State has the lowest ICMS modal rate among the Northeastern states, corresponding to 18%. However, it needs to regain its competitiveness. This is what data presented by the economist and consultant at Fecomércio RN, Guilherme Mercês, speaker at the Forum, point out. He evaluates this scenario as a new window of opportunities for RN.

This is because, although it occupies 1st place in the formality ranking and has the second lowest unemployment rate in the Northeast, RN was the one that lost the most competitiveness in the Northeast post-pandemic. While in 2019 it was in 15th place, in 2023, it dropped to 23rd in the ranking. In terms of grade, it went from 47 to 34.2. Behind the numbers, the drop is associated with the decline in the pillars of fiscal soundness, efficiency of the public machine, human capital and environmental sustainability.

Given this scenario, Guilherme Mercês points out that a decisive alternative for increasing competitiveness are PPPs and concessions. Some sectors, in particular, still need improvements that can be carried out by the private sector, such as sanitation, highways and solid waste. In the case of the first, for example, research shows that only 29% of the State’s water and sewage are treated. In addition to these axes, he highlights that the discovery of the Equatorial Margin can be a strong fuel for the economy of Rio Grande do Norte. The Brazilian exploratory frontier extends from Rio Grande do Norte to Amapá over 2,200 km. “It is necessary to be aware of opportunities, since the oil and gas chain can develop many other sectors and be fundamental in generating jobs and income”, he says.

To support the debate around PPP’s, initiated by Guilherme Mercês, the Forum was attended by the Coordinator of the Executive Secretariat of PPP’s in Bahia, Maíra Nieto, who participated in the RN em Foco Panel. The purpose of the lecture, in addition to presenting success stories from Bahia, was to highlight the potential of Rio Grande do Norte and the ways to strengthen the union between states and companies.

The Executive Director of Fecomércio RN, Laumir Barrêto, says that the Forum’s discussions are strategic to present the entity’s perspectives. “We have been working to strengthen our institutional agenda, focusing on defending the interests we represent. This was the moment to share this position with a qualified audience. Now, we continue with the development of projects and initiatives in search of results for RN”, he stated.