Present at the OTC since 2012, the Rio de Janeiro Federation of Industries (Sistema FIRJAN) is the only Brazilian industrial federation to be present with a stand at the event The oil sector is very important for the state of Rio de Janeiro, which is responsible for approximately 72% of the country’s oil production.

With the aim of contributing to the state’s development, the federation positions itself as a strategic partner that increases the competitiveness of companies in the oil and gas production chain, whether through offering technological solutions, professional training and occupational training, or through attracting foreign investment.

Last year, FIRJAN presented its integrated solutions for the offshore market. The highlight this year will be the presentation of success stories in its work with the oil and gas market. Information will be displayed on the federation’s large scale structuring projects designed to contribute to professional and industrial training for the entire production chain.

"We will also highlight the competencies of our Technology Center in the areas of Automation and Simulation, Environment and Welding. In addition, we will focus on operational safety as a way to avoid accidents, which often cause shutdowns and losses in productivity. We aim to show how we can contribute to the development of industry with innovative solutions," says oil and gas manager for Sistema FIRJAN, Glícia Carnevale.

This is FIRJAN’s third year at the OTC. Commenting on its main achievements from this period, Carnevale explains how Sistema FIRJAN has been strengthening its actions within the oil and gas market. In 2012, the first year it exhibited at the fair, a partnership was formed with Petrobras to implant a laboratory of excellence in welding, a research, development and innovation project. Last year, the federation started to investment together with Petrobras in the implantation of 14 real and virtual simulation environments for offshore training. In addition, Carnevale highlights the beginnings of the federation’s institutional partnership with the Consulate General of Brasil in Houston, which has contributed to improving access to American companies.

The FIRJAN delegation for this edition of the OTC will be made up of 15 representatives from various areas of the federation, working at the fair, offering support and providing technical updates during the congress. "It is important that we follow the main trends in the offshore sector, as well as a range of other relevant themes that directly impact companies’ competitiveness. This way we will be able to invest more in modernizing our Technology Centers and contribute to the development of our industry," she comments.

Carnevale explains that over 10 working meetings were held during the event in 2013. The federation began to fill its 2014 schedule in March and it already have high expectations.According to Carnevale, the opportunities that can be found in the Brazilian market with as a result of increases in demand from the oil industry make the country more attractive to international investors. Given this, she highlights that local content policy and occupational safety guidelines are themes that need to be studied by companies coming to Brazil.