At a ceremony held on Monday, October 14, businessman Luiz Césio Caetano, a shareholder of Sal Cisne and first vice-president of Firjan during Eduardo Eugenio Gouvêa Vieira's term, took office as the president of the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro for the next four years, until 2028. The new boards of the federation and the Industrial Center of Rio de Janeiro (Cirj) were also inaugurated. These boards were elected on August 19 and consist of business leaders from all regions of the state of Rio de Janeiro.

In his inaugural speech, Caetano, 74, highlighted issues that need to be prioritized to increase industrial productivity and promote the socioeconomic development of the state and the country: efficient public management; skilled labor; transition, integration, and energy efficiency; infrastructure; and public safety.

He detailed problems related to each point and discussed the role of Firjan. "We will work to contribute to addressing these issues, always acting effectively and tirelessly in defense of our industry's interests, in an even more agile, dynamic, participative, proactive, and innovative Firjan," emphasized the new president of the federation.

With 50 years of experience in the Fluminense industry, Caetano has been a director of the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) since 2023, where he also serves as vice-president of the "Thematic Council for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises" and participates in the "Working Group for Combating Illegal Activities in Brazil," created at Firjan's suggestion. Upon handing over the position, Gouvêa Vieira spoke about the future of the federation.

"Caetano is one of the most competent business leaders we have. He is tireless in advocating for the defense of industry and has extensive knowledge of the sector's landscape in the state of Rio de Janeiro, which will certainly contribute to strengthening Firjan's role in representing businesses," said Eduardo Eugenio, who will lead the Firjan Representatives Council.

In his speech, Vice President of the Republic, Geraldo Alckmin, celebrated the importance of industry for the country. "The New Industry Brazil is based on innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness. We are promoting measures to stimulate the sector that are already yielding positive results for the economy. And we remain available to Firjan to work together to further grow the industry," highlighted the Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services, who praised Eduardo Eugenio's legacy and wished success to Caetano in his journey leading Firjan.

New Scenario Requires Agility, Adaptation, and Creativity

"The experience of the Covid-19 pandemic, which affected all of us in the recent past, made it even more evident that the hyper-connected world increases the complexity of problems and solutions. It requires more agility in thinking and action, greater capacity for adaptation to a reality of permanent changes, and more creativity to envision, design, and build possible futures," said Caetano during the ceremony, which was also attended by CNI President Ricardo Alban, business leaders, and representatives of federations from across the country.

The new Firjan president also addressed external factors impacting Brazil, such as tensions in the Middle East, the war between Russia and Ukraine, and the trade war between the United States and China. "Promoting local productive chains can help reduce dependence on global chains, which are increasingly affected by worldwide conflicts like those we are experiencing right now," Caetano stated, also mentioning uncertainties about the economic policies that will be adopted by the United States after the elections in November, as well as the climate crisis and the need for responsibility in decision-making to build a more sustainable world.

"Over the years, Firjan has accumulated expertise and gained institutional weight that enables us—and more than that, compels us—to think and act within this global context. We have the capacity and legitimacy to propose paths toward greater prosperity, inclusion, and development," emphasized Caetano.

Learn More About the New President of Firjan

Born in Campos, a trained mechanical engineer, Luiz Césio Caetano is a corporate director and shareholder of Sal Cisne, a company he has been dedicated to for over 40 years. Since 1997, he has served as president of the Salt Refining and Grinding Industry Union of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Sindisal). He held the position of president of the Regional Council of Firjan Leste Fluminense until 2021.

The new federation president led various initiatives, including the "Firjan Small Business Project," the "Firjan PEQ," which includes major job generators in Brazil and around the world.

He also led the Business Working Group that developed the "Firjan Proposals Agenda for a Brazil 4.0." The New Industry Brazil, an industrial policy launched by the federal government in January of this year, has 60% of its proposals aligned with the federation's agenda, which was presented to Geraldo Alckmin and several other authorities.

Additionally, he participated in important discussions regarding the development of the state and the country, including tax reform with Governor Claudio Castro.