Defense of the Free Trade Zone is a priority for the Government of Amazonas, says Wilson Lima in a forum

In Brasilia

National Forum of Governors took place in Brasília and the meeting was preparatory to a meeting organized by the Presidency of the Republic

Governor Wilson Lima highlighted, this Thursday (26), during the 1st Meeting of the 2023 Forum of Governors, that the defense of the Free Zone is a priority for the State.

The forum took place in Brasília (DF) and brought together the 27 governors of the Brazilian states and the Federal District. Among the subjects discussed at the meeting were the search for economic alternatives for the region, which compensate for possible losses in revenue.

“With the statement, for example, that there was a possibility of ending the IPI, I already had a reduction in the revenue from calculating taxes, because this reduces investments, makes the industry reduce its production. So, it is important that we put these agendas in the discussion, since they are a priority for these regions”, said the governor.

The Tax on Industrialized Products (IPI) is the main tax that makes up the basket of incentives for the more than 500 companies that are installed in the Industrial Pole of Manaus.

The discussion on priorities for the states and regions stems from a request from the Federal Government, which asked state governments and regional consortia to list their main demands. The lists will be presented at a meeting organized by the Presidency of the Republic, this Friday (01/27), which will bring together, once again, the 27 Brazilian governors.

In addition to the Free Trade Zone, which corresponds to 70% of the economic activity in Amazonas, generating more than 114,000 jobs and contributing to keeping 98% of the forest cover in the state intact, Wilson Lima highlighted the paving of the section of the middle of the BR-319 between kilometers 198 and 250 as an important point of discussion. The third priority listed, according to the governor, is the fight against deforestation and other environmental crimes in the south of the state, safeguarding the economic activities carried out within the legal framework.

Wilson Lima highlighted the importance of establishing a dialogue with the Federal Government, since the decisions taken have a substantial impact on the states. The governor argues that initiatives, before being put into practice, need to be mutually discussed.

IPI

On the possibility of zeroing the IPI, Wilson highlighted that one of the paths is a technical construction to review the issue of origin and destination.

“The state of Amazonas is practically a producer state, very little consumer, that is, we would be harmed if there was only the issue of taxation of the destination, we would lose revenue, and some other points that are eminently technical, but which have a very strong impact on the industry with regard to this tax composition”, he explained, reinforcing the position that Amazonas cannot waive the tax, which is essential for maintaining the Manaus Free Trade Zone.

*With advisory information.

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