Cross-border and inter-regional cooperation: new actors and institutions in Brazil

Cross-border and inter-regional cooperation: new actors and institutions in Brazil

Sérgio Duarte de Castro

Ministry of National Integration

Secretary of Regional Development

South Bow

North Bow

Central Bow

Brazilian border

150 Km wide

15,719 Km long

11 States

588 municipalities (122 bordering, 28 Twin Cities)

27% of national territory

10 Countries

Approximately 10 million people

History => Population concentrated along the Atlantic coast

Low population density and weak economic activity along the border

GDP concentrated in the South and Southeast

Defense & DevelopementHistorically there have been two approaches: defense and

development

Approach that emphasizes defense –> Up until the 80’s was considered a barrier against external threats

Emphasis on development and continental integration - > Focus on the border region as a place full of opportunities for development, allegiance with neighboring countries and appreciation of citizenship. Regional development considered a priority strategy.

National Policy for Regional Development (PNDR) -> policies in multiple territorial scales to reduce regional inequalities => Development Program of Border Strip (PDFF)

Development Program of Border Strip (PDFF )The core policy objectives

Promote economic and social development in regions on both sides of common borders seeking the integration and activation of local potential

Articulate investments in social and economic infrastructure to support the process of economic and population density of less dynamic regions of the frontier zone and the integration of South America.

To strengthen the conditions of citizenship of the local population and the organization of civil society

Through: Structuring and strengthening clusters; Supporting the setting up supplementary social and productive infrastructure; Fostering social organization and collective association. Qualifying agents for development

Financing instrumentsAllocated to the border areas (2007-2010)

Growth Acceleration Program - PAC : € 3.8 billion (2007-2010) Mercosur structural convergence fund - FOCEM: € 280 million (2007-2010)

Allocated to underdeveloped regions with large areas of borders (2007-2010)

North constitutional Fund - FNO: € 3.3 billion Amazon Development Fund - FDA: € 1.7 billion Midwest constitutional Fund - FCO: € 5.3 billion

Amazon Fund: € 280 million in 2011 (until 2015: € 745 million)

(€ 1.0 = R$ 2.45 26/09/2011)

Other Initiatives and Programs Project “Calha Norte” (Ministry of Defense)

To promote increased population density and a greater presence of public authority at Calha Norte. Strengthening regional infrastructure (roads, health clinics, schools) and increased military presence (Border Platoons, SIVAM, PEF)

Integrated Health System at the Frontier SIS-Saúde (Ministry of Health)

To promote the integration of health systems at the municipalities bordering neighbor countries

Bilingual Border Schools Program (Ministry of Education)

To set up bilingual schools at the Twin Cities on both sides of the border, with exchange programs for teachers and students and joint schoolwork planning.

IIRSA - Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America

To bridge the geographical gaps of the 12 countries in South America, through joint investments in logistic infrastructure (international bridges, highways, railways and waterways)

Permanent Commission for Integration and Development of Border Strip (CDIF)

Presidential Decree 09/2010

Comprised of 20 government agencies (ministries and others)

Functions and powers : To coordinate and promote the convergence of sectoral public policies along the border

To set up an information system for management of the initiatives

To establish local committees at the 10 Brazilian States located along the border

Promote cross-border cooperation to address common challenges (infrastructure, public health, education, employment, environment, combat organized crime)

Ministry of National Integration

Sérgio CastroSecretary of Regional Development

SBN Qd. 02 Lote 11 Ed. Apex Brasil, Portaria B 2º Subsolo70040-020 Brasília DF - Brazil

Fone: 55 61 3414.5619/5425Mobile: 55 61 9824-0464

Fax: 55 61 3414.5711sergio.castro@integracao.gov.br