Ceará: The unexpected key to doing business in Brazil
Ceará: The unexpected key to doing business in Brazil
When European entrepreneurs seek opportunities in Latin America, they rarely think directly of the Brazilian state of Ceará. And that's a missed opportunity. While São Paulo and Rio attract all the attention, Ceará is developing into a strategic hub for sustainable agriculture, water management, energy, and technological innovation. This northeastern region, with over 9 million inhabitants, is developing rapidly – and wants to collaborate.
From July 6-12, an influential government and business delegation from Ceará will visit the Netherlands. The mission, coordinated by CHAMBRAZ (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brazil in the Netherlands), offers European entrepreneurs the opportunity to directly connect with representatives from a region that is fully committed to cooperation and sustainable development.
Palácio da Abolição is a Government of Ceará building that houses the headquarters of the State Governor's office.
Strong economic growth
Ceará has one of Brazil's highest growth rates. In 2024, the economy grew an impressive 6.5% – nearly double the national average. This growth is no coincidence. The state government has been investing strategically for years in education, infrastructure, digitalization, and sustainable development. The results are visible: a growing agricultural sector, a robust industrial base, and an increasingly innovative service offering. And: a government that actively stimulates cooperation with foreign companies.
Logistical crossroads with European integration
One of Ceará's greatest assets is the Port of Pecém. This modern deep-sea port is not only strategically located, but since 2018 is also 30% owned by the Port of Rotterdam Authority. This partnership means more than capital: it brings European standards, governance, and access to international networks. Pecém is now connected to shipping routes to Europe, Africa, and the US – and functions as a hub for export, assembly, and logistics.
The port is also part of a free trade zone (ZPE), where foreign companies benefit from tax advantages, land access, and fast licensing. Those who want to produce for the Brazilian market – or for export – find here an attractive investment climate with direct access to the hinterland.
A market that grows – and wants to learn
With over nine million inhabitants, Ceará is a serious domestic market. But more importantly: it's a region with a change-minded attitude. Farmers seek modern irrigation techniques. Local companies want to become sustainable. Governments are open to knowledge sharing. And young people want to learn, work, and innovate. Here there's no resistance to change, but a genuine hunger for progress.
For European entrepreneurs with solutions in climate adaptation, food security, circular economy, or green energy, there are plenty of opportunities – not just as a supplier, but especially as a partner.
Water management as a lever for innovation
Ceará is dry. And that's exactly what makes it innovative. The entire region is organized around smart water management – with participatory decision-making, digital monitoring, and robust infrastructure. State-owned company COGERH manages over 150 reservoirs and works together with farmers, citizens, and businesses. The result: an approach that receives international recognition and perfectly aligns with Dutch expertise in water technology.
Sustainable agriculture and green energy
Within agribusiness, Ceará is developing rapidly. Thanks to investments in precision agriculture, aquaculture, and agro-industrial chains, not only is production increasing, but also quality and export orientation. European technology – from drones and data tools to processing machines – finds fertile ground here.
Additionally, the state is fully investing in green energy, with large solar parks, wind projects, and plans for green hydrogen export. In collaboration with the Netherlands, a corridor is being developed between Pecém and Rotterdam for H₂ transport – a promising proposition for European energy companies and technology providers.
Why right now?
Ceará offers a rare combination: economic growth, an active government, a port with European integration, access to a large and young market, and concrete needs that align well with European innovations. Whether you're active in water, agriculture, energy, logistics, or industry – here the doors are open.
For entrepreneurs who dare to invest in emerging regions with long-term potential, Ceará is a logical next step. Not because it's cheap, but because it's strategic. Not because it's simple, but because it's open to cooperation.
A region you can't skip
Ceará is not Silicon Valley nor Westland – but it is the place where the two can meet. Here opportunities are ready for those who delve deep, connect, and are willing to build together.
If you, as a European entrepreneur, are looking for a place where your knowledge, technology, or product can make a difference – and be valued – then Ceará is a logical next step.
The world is changing. So is Ceará. The question is: are you in?
