Amazonas Vice Governor Serafim Corrêa defends Zona Franca of Manaus amid tax reform debate

Vice‑Governor Serafim Corrêa attended the 149th ordinary meeting of the Conselho Superior do Cieam in Manaus on 31 July. The gathering of industrial representatives, officials and specialists focused on the economic development of the state and the challenges posed by Brazil’s tax reform. Corrêa highlighted the role of the Zona Franca de Manaus (ZFM) in preserving roughly 97% of the Amazon rainforest, arguing that the free‑trade zone has generated jobs and income while keeping the forest standing. He stressed that the ZFM is not a fiscal loss but a strategic investment that attracts companies and sustains regional growth. Tax‑law expert Mary Elbe Queiroz warned that the reform could threaten the ZFM’s competitiveness and called for continued differentiated tax treatment for the area. The vice‑governor concluded by urging ongoing dialogue between public authorities, the industrial sector and specialists to safeguard legal certainty and the zone’s competitiveness.