RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Located in the traditionally less privileged Northeastern region of the country, Ceará’s economy has grown just over twice that of Brazil in the second quarter of 2019.
According to Governor Camilo Santana (PT), the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 2.08 percent compared to the same period last year; the country of Brazil had an increase of only one percent.
The data were compiled by the Institute of Research and Economic Strategy of Ceará (IPECE), which was expected to submit the combined result on Thursday afternoon, September 19th.
According to the governor, the local economic development was driven by industry performance, which registered a rise of 4.68 percent in the second quarter of this year.
During a live broadcast on social media, Camilo also remarked that he was “happy” with the result. Also, he said he should have a meeting at the Planning Secretariat (SEPLAG) on Thursday to discuss the date to call for tender for penitentiary officers.
“I am happy, and this is a result that encourages us to seek new partnerships and investments for the state of Ceará. Later I will be at the Secretariat of Planning to discuss the date of call for penitentiary officers,” said Camilo.
Ceará is one of the 27 states of Brazil, located in the northeastern part of the country, on the Atlantic coast. It is the eighth-largest Brazilian state by population and the 17th by area. It is also one of the main tourist destinations in Brazil. The state capital is the city of Fortaleza, with over four million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, making it the country’s fourth most populous city.
Traditionally an agriculture-based state, Ceará began an industrialization program under the military regime (1964–1985), and the industrial sector continues to expand annually.
In recent years, industry accounted for 39.3 percent of the state’s GDP. Tourism also plays a significant role in Ceará’s economy, with the state’s many waterfalls, beaches, and rainforests. On average, Fortaleza alone receives half a million tourists annually.