By ADIPR (Association of Newspapers and Portals of Paraná)
Industrialist Edson José de Vasconcelos led the “We are industry, we are FIEP” ticket and won the 2023 elections of the Federation of Industries of Paraná (FIEP). He received the votes of 63 of the 95 unions affiliated to the entity that attended the election.
In an exclusive interview with ADI-PR, he outlined the main challenges he will face during his administration, which will begin in October 2023 and will last until 2027.
Born in Cascavel, Vasconcelos is married and the father of three children. His education includes a degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), as well as an MBA in Business Management from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and another in International Business from Ohio University in the United States.
In addition to his academic career, the president-elect of FIEP has a solid career in the construction sector. He is a partner and owner of companies such as Vasto Engenharia, Bridge Incorporadora and Toledo Energias Renováveis, and also works in the real estate and hotel sectors.
Vasconcelos is the current vice-president of FIEP itself, a position he has held since 2011, until he was elected president of the entity on August 15. Since 2014, he has also coordinated the Infrastructure Thematic Council of the same FIEP.
His leadership extends to several other organizations. He actively participates in the Oeste em Desenvolvimento Program, was president of the G8, a group formed by 8 entities from the productive sector of Cascavel; of the Cascavel Sustainable Economic Development Council (Codesc), which brings together more than 60 entities focused on the long-term planning of the city; and of the Cascavel Planning Institute (IPC). He also chaired Sinduscon Oeste for three years and was president of the Cascavel Commercial and Industrial Association (ACIC), standing out for his strong performance in bringing regional leaders together on issues of regional relevance.
The lessons that Edson Vasconcelos draws from his vast experience in associations are clear: surround yourself with people who believe in the power of transformation and work with focus, collaboration and innovation.
In this interview, he shares his vision on the present and future of industry in Paraná. Addressing topics such as unity, innovation, infrastructure and sustainable development, the president-elect outlined plans and objectives to strengthen the state's position in the Brazilian industrial scene. surround yourself with people who believe in the power of transformation and work with focus, collaboration and innovation.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW:
Check out below a summary of the main topics of the conversation with journalist Jadir Zimmermann. The full interview, in podcast format, is available on our digital platforms.
ADI-PR: In most professional associations, there is usually consensus building to form boards, but at FIEP, there was a back-and-forth in this election. As vice-president of FIEP for over a decade, were you unable to build consensus around your name? What happened?
Edson Vasconcelos: In fact, the opposite is common at FIEP; there is often back-and-forth. In this election, we tried to avoid back-and-forth and we had support, but a group from the Federation decided to exercise democracy. It was a fair process, without personal attacks, based on ideas. There was a sense of regionalism, but we understand that the focus should be on who is best prepared, not on passing the baton.
“We worked hard to avoid a back-and-forth. But the Federation group felt it had the right to exercise democracy, which is healthy.”
After the election period, how do you plan to build unity so that everyone works towards the benefit of the entity and the development of the industry?
Edson Vasconcelos: It is very natural. There was no break with colleagues. Although the opposition may create resistance, the difference was great, and our job is to show that the Federation is from Paraná, for Paraná, for the industries and unions.
How do you plan to use your experience as a class leader in Cascavel to strengthen FIEP?
Edson Vasconcelos: Our region is more associative and collaborative. I value the group's solidity and take serious positions with the group's support. This characteristic should greatly contribute to strengthening the Federation and representing the industry of Paraná.
Paraná's industry has been weakening, but it is still the fourth largest industrial state in the country. As president of FIEP, what do you plan to do to improve the state's position in the Brazilian industrial scene?
Edson Vasconcelos: First, the industry in Paraná has not suffered deindustrialization. Industry is growing, but other sectors are growing faster. Paraná has the potential for industrialization and positive characteristics to attract industries. Our port system, safe cargo transportation, and logistics and energy capacity are advantages. We also have a value-added process in basic industries. I understand that Paraná has all the favorable conditions to improve the receptivity and domicile of industries, compared to other states.
How do you see FIEP's relationship with the state and federal governments, and what are your expectations for collaboration with the state government to promote a more favorable industrial policy?
Edson Vasconcelos: We are proactive entities, and governments are the ones who execute them. Our job is to raise awareness about the indispensability of industry. In the United States, there was an attempt to move manufacturing facilities to China, but they realized their mistake and returned. Our mission is to raise awareness among governments about the importance of the trade balance and industry, and to defend agriculture, since it directly affects everyone's lives. Municipalities need an adequate industrial plan, and our role is to ensure that political and tax decisions favor local industry.
“We are a proactive entity. The State, municipalities and the Union are the ones who execute. Our job is to make everyone aware that industry is essential.”
How does FIEP plan to support the Paraná industry in exploring new markets and innovative technologies?
Edson Vasconcelos: The S System has an entire framework for innovation in technology, with several SENAI innovation institutes. We have national references, such as the SENAI Institute of Electrochemistry and the SENAI Institute of Artificial Intelligence, which are important technological assets. We want to bring these assets closer to entrepreneurs and improve the perception of opportunities abroad. The pandemic has realigned the input chains, creating opportunities, but we need to understand consumers and take advantage of the industrial chain in Brazil, which is still underutilized.
One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is finding qualified workers. How can FIEP help improve the training of workers from Paraná to better serve the industry?
Edson Vasconcelos: Qualification is a challenge, especially in the construction industry, where the incoming workforce is often functionally illiterate. We also have cultural and language problems. The biggest challenge today is not training, but having employees to train. Employability is a bigger issue than offering courses or creating job openings. Programs like Bolsa Família inhibit the desire to work and become professionals. Our challenge is to train, qualify, and have a workforce to train, in addition to dealing with migration processes and housing capacity in some locations. This is a serious and systemic issue.
Considering your resume and more than a decade of experience at FIEP, how do you think about improving the infrastructure and logistics of the industry in Paraná?
Edson Vasconcelos: We have a program called PELT, where we work on regional problems and the difficulties of local micro and macro logistics. It is vital to make authorities aware that investment in infrastructure has a long-term return, making development sustainable.
As a leader in the interior, how can we overcome challenges such as expensive tolls to strengthen the industry in the interior of the state in a competitive way?
Edson Vasconcelos: Each region must understand what is in its hands, such as energy, logistics, labor and legislation. Industry is necessary, and local potential must be mapped. We need to support Paraná, join forces and understand that we are the fourth industrial power in the country, because with commitment, Paraná can reach third place in industry.
“We need to wear the Paraná shirt. We are the fourth industrial power in Brazil. Four out of 27 is a lot. It is not difficult to reach third place.”
How can we find a balance between development, industrial advancement and environmental impact? What initiatives can Fiep take to promote responsible industrial production?
Edson Vasconcelos: The issue is bureaucracy and time. We need to reduce bureaucracy, automate and improve performance. We need to be faster and more aware of the rules, because sustainability means market.
What lessons do you learn from your experience as vice-president of FIEP and leader of several entities in Cascavel?
Edson Vasconcelos: The ability to have a good group with different experiences is essential, but one that is proactive and believes in the power of transformation. I believe I am well surrounded, and we have shown that it is possible to run a clean campaign focused on internal issues. The lesson is to surround yourself with people who believe in transformation.
“You have to surround yourself with people who believe in the power of transformation. And I am well surrounded. The people on my team are extremely aware and have unparalleled potential for transformation.”
