During the Business Mission to China — Canton Fair 2026, André Ricardo presented strategic logistics infrastructure and industrial development initiatives that could contribute to attracting investments and strengthening the economy of Sertão Central in Ceará.

Quixeramobim (CE), October 17, 2026 — The logistics infrastructure and economic development prospects of Sertão Central in Ceará were highlighted during the participation of the president of the Agência de Desenvolvimento Regional do Sertão Central (ADR Sertão Central), André Ricardo da Silva Fernandes, in the Missão Empresarial à China — Canton Fair 2026.

In a statement recorded on video and broadcast on social networks during the program, André Ricardo addressed three initiatives of strategic interest for the territory: the Transnordestina railroad, the prospect of implementing a Dry Port in Quixeramobim, and prospecting for an Export Processing Zone (ZPE) in the interior of Ceará.

When presenting these perspectives, the president of ADR Sertão Central highlighted:

“Our Sertão Central region is well served because of the Transnordestina, which passes through our Sertão Central region. Also the prospection for the municipality of Quixeramobim, which will receive a Dry Port. And we are also prospecting the implementation of an Export Processing Zone (ZPE) in the interior of the state of Ceará, which, in this case, we will announce to you.”

The statement, recorded in a video released by Quixeramobim Agora, highlights the importance attributed by regional leadership to transport infrastructure and the possibilities for expanding industrial and commercial activities in the interior of the state.

Transnordestina and dry port: opportunities for logistics integration

The Ferrovia Transnordestina represents an important infrastructure project for the Brazilian Northeast, with the potential to strengthen cargo transport, expand integration between producing regions and logistical corridors, and boost the economic competitiveness of the served territories.

For Ceará's Sertão Central, the prospect of utilizing this infrastructure is linked to the possibility of developing logistics activities and attracting businesses that can benefit from better conditions for goods movement.

In this context, André Ricardo also mentioned prospecting for a Dry Port in Quixeramobim.

A dry port is a facility designed to provide customs services and support for foreign trade, located outside the port zone, whose operation depends on compliance with legal requirements and competent authorizations.

The possibility of implementing a structure of this nature in Quixeramobim broadens discussions on the strategic role of the municipality in organizing logistics activities, integrating supply chains, and attracting investments.

However, the reference made during the mission should be understood as a development outlook, not as a confirmation that the enterprise is already implemented or authorized to operate.

Prospecting of an Export Processing Zone (ZPE)

Another topic presented by the president of ADR Sertão Central was the prospecting of an Export Processing Zone (ZPE) in the interior of Ceará.

Export Processing Zones (ZPEs) are areas subject to a specific legal regime, intended for the installation of companies focused on producing goods for marketing abroad, in accordance with the conditions established by Brazilian legislation.

The discussion regarding a potential Export Processing Zone (ZPE) represents an opportunity to assess industrialization strategies, adding value to regional production, and expanding company participation in international markets.

The eventual implementation of a facility of this nature will depend on studies, institutional coordination, and the necessary legal and administrative procedures.

André Ricardo's statement, therefore, presents an initiative in the prospecting phase, without constituting an announcement of approval or definitive implementation of a new Export Processing Zone (ZPE).

International coordination and regional development

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The statement occurred in the context of the Missão Empresarial à China — Canton Fair 2026, held from October 13 to 25, as part of the third stage of the Programa Ceará de Vocações, an initiative developed by the Agência de Desenvolvimento do Estado do Ceará (Adece), in partnership with Instituto Euvaldo Lodi (IEL Ceará).

ADR Sertão Central is among the two regional agencies from Ceará selected to participate in the international program, alongside ADR Conexão Metropolitana.

The agenda brings together activities aimed at knowledge exchange, closer engagement with business and technological environments, and the identification of business and investment opportunities.

The participation of ADR Sertão Central represents an opportunity to align the territory's development perspectives with international experiences related to innovation, infrastructure, competitiveness, and economic integration.

Regional development with a vision for the future

In presenting Transnordestina, the prospect of a Dry Port in Quixeramobim, and the prospecting of an Export Processing Zone (ZPE), André Ricardo highlighted relevant themes for the economic planning of Sertão Central.

These initiatives, although presenting different stages of development and depending on specific decisions and procedures, are part of the debate on expanding infrastructure, strengthening productive activities, and creating favorable conditions for attracting new ventures.

For ADR Sertão Central, participating in an international business agenda reinforces the importance of coordination among public institutions, the productive sector, and regional leaders in building opportunities for the territory.

The mission continues until October 25, providing participating leaders with exposure to experiences and business models that could contribute to future discussions and initiatives aimed at regional economic development.