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Minas Experiences a Boom in Highway Investments That Resembles the Paulista Cycle of the 1990s. Fiemg Vice President Claims That Works and Concessions Can Transform Logistics and the Economy of Minas in the Coming Years.
The boom in highway investments that Minas Gerais is experiencing today is comparable to what São Paulo went through in the late 1990s, according to Emir Cadar Filho, vice president of the Federation of Industries of the State of Minas Gerais (Fiemg). Almost R$ 60 billion is already contracted for federal and state highway works and concessions for the coming years, with a direct impact on logistics, competitiveness, and job creation.
These funds are in addition to other structural projects, such as the expansion of the metro in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte and investments in basic sanitation. In total, Fiemg estimates that R$ 100 billion will be injected into infrastructure in the state over the next seven years, reinforcing Minas’ position as one of the country’s most strategic logistics hubs.
Roads at the Heart of Logistics Transformation
Among the confirmed concessions, there are stretches of great economic and social relevance. The BR-381, known as the Highway of Death, underwent re-bidding after the federal government took over part of the expropriations. The BR-040, in the stretch between Juiz de Fora (MG) and Rio de Janeiro, and the BR-262 are also part of the package of works that should change traffic patterns and safety on Minas’ roads.
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For Emir Cadar Filho, the experience of São Paulo serves as a reference: “I have no doubt that São Paulo’s economic boom is related to road concessions. Now, this moment is ours, with improvements that will reduce accidents and enhance the state’s competitiveness.”
Economic Impact and Job Creation
A study by Fiemg in partnership with the João Pinheiro Foundation shows that combining the R$ 100 billion in infrastructure with the R$ 110 billion from the Mariana agreement, signed in 2024, could generate 729,000 direct and indirect jobs in Minas Gerais.
The state government, led by Romeu Zema (Novo), also presented a transportation and logistics package with 480 projects, totaling about 4,582 works and an estimated volume of R$ 513 billion in public and private investments.
The goal is to transform the road network and reduce the high accident rate, which has been a major point of criticism of the management.
Works Go Beyond Highways
The boom in highway investments is part of a broader scenario of economic expansion. In the mining sector, Minas is expected to receive US$ 16.5 billion by 2029, equivalent to 24% of the total expected for Brazil, according to the Brazilian Mining Institute (Ibram).
This combination of public and private works creates a favorable business environment and attracts companies from various segments.
This week, Belo Horizonte hosts Infrabusiness, one of the largest infrastructure events in the country, with an expectation of 30,000 visitors and a business turnover of R$ 1 billion.
And you, do you believe that this boom in highway investments will transform Minas’ economy as it did in São Paulo? Or do you see risks in this model? Share your opinion in the comments.
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