Port of Santos and Sebrae-SP Launch Local Economy Strengthening Project

The Santos Port Authority (APS), Sebrae-SP, and the Santos Technology Park officially launched the “Porto Fortalece: Economia Local” (“Port Strengthens: Local Economy”) project on Friday, June 6.

This strategic initiative aims to transform the relationship between major players in the port-logistics chain and micro and small businesses in the Baixada Santista region. The goal is to encourage terminals, operators, and port service providers to prioritize local suppliers, promoting more conscious and sustainable purchasing practices.
The project aims to foster productive inclusion through entrepreneurial training, specialized consulting services, business matchmaking events, and the adoption of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices.

ESG Focus
APS was represented at the event, held at the Santos Technology Park, by Cláudio Bastos, Superintendent of Governance, Risk, and Compliance, who outlined the key aspects of the ESG Manifesto.
“At the end of the day, what is ESG? It’s business! Ports that don’t invest in sustainability will fall behind and only handle cargo that no one else wants,” Bastos stated.
He emphasized that the Port of Santos, including APS and its operators, should actively pursue partnerships with regional companies.
“Strong partnerships mean sustainable development,” he affirmed.

The Ministry of Ports and Airports was also represented, with Tetsu Koike, Director of Programs at the Ministry’s Executive Secretariat, in attendance.
“What we’re doing here today is historic,” Koike said while highlighting federal legislation that offers various incentives for Research, Development, and Innovation (R&D&I).
“Every entrepreneur should know these laws by heart to master bureaucracy. Bureaucracy should be your tool to sell,” he added.

Job Creation and Local Impact
By integrating small businesses into the port supply chain, the “Porto Fortalece: Economia Local” project aims to boost job creation and income, driving the economy of the Baixada Santista and fostering a closer connection between the Port of Santos and local entrepreneurs.

The initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), reinforcing the commitment to more conscious and sustainable practices.

The project has institutional support from the Municipality of Santos, the Santos Commercial Association (ACS), the Retail Trade Union of Baixada Santista, the Santos Port Excellence Center Foundation (CENEP), the Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Microenterprise, and Small Business (MEMP), and the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPOR).

The action is also part of the Blue Corridor and the Colabora Mundo movement; initiatives focused on sustainable development along the São Paulo coast through collaborative innovation and territorial inclusion.

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