Potential for new jobs when Amazon road reopens
There are plans to reopen an 885km road running through the Amazon jungle, which has become unusable because of neglect. Should this take place, there is significant potential for job creation within the region’s leather and footwear sector.
Although environmental groups have tried to block the move, the government has decided to go ahead with its decision, which should boost trade between the central Amazon and south-central Brazil. The road runs from Rondônia state capital Porto Velho to Manaos, capital of Amazonas, and authorities claim it is likely to be back in use by 2011. Authorities are also looking at establishing a railway line in the area, which has angered protestors further.
The area, which is largely agricultural is looking to increase its raw material production and to expand into new areas. It currently produces 10,000 units of leather each day, and it is hoped that tens of thousands of new jobs will be created in the footwear industry as production increases.
