Minas Gerais has stood out in recent years as one of the main investment destinations in Brazil. The combination of a strategic location, robust infrastructure, qualified workforce and a simplified business environment has attracted investors from different sectors. Added to these points is the proactive action of the State, through its linked agency,
In recent years, the state has attracted R$460.1 billion in private investments, with an annual average of more than R$80 billion.
The current result reflects Minas Gerais’ strategy of creating favorable conditions for the private sector, resulting in accelerated growth and a virtuous cycle of job creation and economic opportunities.
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Investment growth is distributed across several strategic sectors. Among the highlights are mining, infrastructure, solar energy, automotive, railway and the sugar-energy sector. Mining, for example, received investments of R$103 billion, and solar energy, with the Sol de Minas project, reached an amount of R$80.8 billion, consolidating Minas Gerais as a leader in photovoltaic generation in Brazil.
These investments are spread across 298 municipalities in Minas Gerais and are directly linked to the creation of approximately 453 thousand jobs, both direct and indirect. The project conversion rate is an impressive 61.2%.
Despite the results already achieved, there are still great opportunities for new investments. With diversified sectors, from agribusiness to the digital economy, the state offers a favorable environment for companies looking to expand their operations in Brazil and abroad.
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The Lithium Valley Boost
One of the great highlights of this new economic phase in Minas is the Vale do Lítio project. The Minas Gerais government has been committed to building a sustainable and responsible production chain, focusing on lithium extraction and the development of low environmental impact technologies.
To date, the project has attracted more than R$5.5 billion in investments, generating around 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. This advancement not only strengthens the local economy, but also positions the state as a global player in the electric vehicle and battery industry.
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Minas also stands out as a leader in energy transition. Since 2021, the state has been a pioneer in Latin America by joining the global Race to Zero campaign, which aims to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The state has already surpassed the mark of 11 gigawatts (GW) of installed energy capacity solar photovoltaic, becoming a national leader in the sector, even surpassing the inspected power of the Belo Monte plant, the main entirely national hydroelectric plant.
Investments in solar energy have been impressive. By 2024, more than R$80.8 billion had been invested in the sector, creating more than 7,600 jobs. The solar generation capacity in Minas already exceeds that of the three largest fossil generators in Brazil, which reflects the transformation of the state into a renewable energy hub.
Bureaucracy reduction program
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Another important pillar of the State’s strategy is the Minas Livre Para Crescer program, which promotes the reduction of bureaucracy and the creation of a more favorable environment for entrepreneurship. With around 470 municipalities in Minas Gerais regulating economic freedom, the state is the national leader in this regard, benefiting more than 11 million citizens and creating a more competitive and attractive scenario for business.
The state is home to 13 units of the Brazilian Industrial Research and Innovation Company (Embrapii), more than 1,400 startups and technology-based companies, in addition to 9 technology parks, five of which have already been implemented and four in the implementation phase. The innovation package, which allocates R$1 billion for the period from 2024 to 2026, demonstrates the commitment to strengthening the digital economy and technological training. In 2023, the state invested more than R$470 million in science, technology and innovation, consolidating Minas as a hub of knowledge and innovation in Brazil.
The success of public policies is reflected in the creation of new companies and jobs. The state has recorded consecutive positive balances of formal jobs, and business openings are growing in all regions of Minas Gerais. In 2024, the state has an unemployment rate below the national average, reflecting the positive impact of government actions and the growth potential of the local job market.
Privileged logistics
Minas Gerais also benefits from a privileged logistics infrastructure. The largest road network in Brazil, with 307 thousand kilometers of roads, is essential for the distribution of industrial, agricultural and mineral products. Air connectivity is guaranteed by 67 public and 195 private aerodromes, and Belo Horizonte International Airport offers direct flights to seven international destinations.
Furthermore, the state has dry ports and an Export Processing Zone in Uberaba, facilitating the import and export of goods and boosting foreign trade. Minas is currently the third largest exporter in Brazil, and its logistical facilities are an attraction for companies looking to expand their business.
With the Trilhas de Futuro program, Minas Gerais also stands out in the qualification of its workforce. Since 2021, the program has trained more than 56 thousand professionals, with more than 82 thousand students in training. The initiative aims to connect technical and professional education to the demands of the job market, preparing the population of Minas Gerais for the challenges of the future.
