Ricardo Alban, president of the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), said the world must prioritize industrial care to sustain economic growth [1].
This shift in focus comes as global powers reorganize production chains and navigate volatile geopolitical landscapes. The CNI leader said that neglecting the industrial sector threatens the long-term viability of innovation and employment stability across international borders [1].
Speaking during Brazil Week in New York on Wednesday, May 11, Alban said that industry has returned to the center of global discussions [2]. He said this resurgence is due to the ongoing reorganization of productive chains and shifting political alliances that dictate where goods are made and how they are transported [1].
Alban said that the world needs to "saber cuidar da indústria" — know how to take care of industry — if it wants to maintain economic growth, innovation, and the generation of jobs [1]. He said that these three pillars are interdependent and rely on a stable industrial base to function effectively [1].
Beyond global trends, the CNI president addressed domestic labor considerations. Discussions touched upon the 6x1 [3] work schedule, as the organization weighs how labor commitments and productivity intersect with the need for future-oriented economic planning [3].
According to Alban, the current global environment provides a unique window for countries to redefine their industrial strategies. He said that the reorganization of value chains is not merely a logistical change but a fundamental shift in how nations ensure their economic security [1].
“The world needs to "saber cuidar da indústria" if it wants to sustain economic growth, innovation, and the generation of jobs.”
The CNI's emphasis on industrial protection reflects a broader global trend toward 'reshoring' or 'friend-shoring,' where nations move production closer to home or to allied countries to avoid the disruptions seen in recent years. By linking industrial health to innovation and jobs, Brazil is signaling its intent to move up the value chain rather than relying solely on raw material exports.
