Pernambuco is preparing to resume fruit exports from the São Francisco Valley through the Port of Suape. The Pacto pelo Agro, a partnership between the Suape Industrial Port Complex and the Secretariat of Agrarian Development, Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, has advanced discussions with the regional fruit sector.
A memorandum of understanding was signed in Petrolina with representatives of the region's productive sector. The document formalizes interest in establishing institutional and technical cooperation to address operational challenges related to exporting fruit through Suape. The port is the sixth busiest public port in Brazil.
At the opening of Vinhuva Fest in Lagoa Grande, Pernambuco's governor, Raquel Lyra, stated that the administration intends to direct São Francisco Valley fruit shipments to Suape. She referred to the port's logistics and infrastructure as factors that support this goal.
Guilherme Coelho, president of Abrafrutas, noted that the sector anticipates growth. He said, "Suape is receiving a lot of investment from the Raquel Lyra Government, and we here in the Valley are ready and prepared for this port to once again handle our fruit. It is fair, dignified, and important because Pernambuco is the state that exports the most fruit in Brazil."
Jailson Lira, president of the Petrolina Rural Producers' Union, said the memorandum reflects greater alignment between the sector and the state. He stated that linking exports to Suape is important for access to new maritime routes serving China and European markets.
Arthur Grimaldi, representing Valexport, described the memorandum as an important step for planning next season's operations. He said that exporting through Suape could reduce costs and handling time.
The memorandum was signed by Suape CEO Armando Monteiro Bisneto, Secretary Cícero Moraes, leaders from Abrafrutas and Valexport, and the Petrolina Rural Producers' Union. Bisneto said, "This memorandum represents the formalization that we will work in accordance with what was agreed in the meeting prior to the signing. We need this proximity with producers because they understand well the paths we will take to achieve our objective."
Secretary Cícero Moraes said the initiative strengthens engagement with the region's productive sector and reflects the contribution of the São Francisco Valley to the state economy.
Source: Diário de Pernambuco / Datamar News
