Regional Economic Policy of Brazil: The Experiences of Peripheral Regions' Economic Uplift

This article examines the structure and substance of Brazil's regional economic policy, providing a historical overview of governmental approaches to regional development from the mid-19th century to the early 21st century. It critically engages with discussions by leading Brazilian scholars regarding the factors contributing to the country's uneven regional development. The study analyzes the key characteristics and outcomes of Brazil's National Policy for Regional Development, implemented in 2007 and subsequently undergoing significant qualitative transformations in 2019 and 2024. It concludes that extensive analytical research and statistical observations conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) - in conjunction with the coordinated efforts of regional and federal authorities and substantial public and private investments - have facilitated notable advancements in the development of certain states in Brazil's Central-Western region. Additionally, these initiatives have contributed to alleviating the severe socio-economic challenges faced by the northeastern states and those within the Brazilian Amazon. From an ideological and strategic standpoint, Brazilian scholars and policymakers perceive the effective utilization of regional diversity as a cornerstone of national development, positioning it as a central component of Brazil's broader economic agenda.