Brazilian Export Processing Zones & Green Powershoring: Challenges & Opportunities

Abstract

In 2023, Export Processing Zones (EPZs) are playing a very meaningful role in promoting exports, attracting foreign direct investment, and creating employment opportunities in more than 150 countries around the globe. EPZs have been important players in fostering the extraordinary growth and expansion of the global supply and value-added chains, further integrating the global economy. Brazil is a latecomer in adopting this tool and strategy of trade and investment promotion and liberalization. This paper addresses the global EPZ experience and discusses Brazil’s latest policies and procedures to expand the role of EPZs in Brazil’s foreign trade policy. This paper introduces the concept of Green Powershoring stressing the increasing importance of EPZs embracing the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. This paper also addresses Brazil’s unique position in offering multinational companies moving into Brazilian EPZs the opportunity to benefit from the country’s clean and renewable energy matrix and Brazil’s abundant fresh water reserves, another key resource for manufacturing. Thus offering companies established in Brazilian EPZs additional ESGs competitive advantages. Thus, Brazilian EPZs are well positioned to benefit from the green power shoring economy permeating new trends in global foreign trade and global foreign direct investment.