O desenvolvimento da cidade de Rio Grande ao longo de sua história

Abstract

The dissertation herewith provides some brief information on the economic activities which are developed in the town of Rio Grande, from its foundation in February 1737 until presently. The overall aim of this study is to analyze how today’s economic cycle, which is based on the Naval Complex, differs from the previous ones. The specific aims intend to: identify the cycles of economic development throughout the history of Rio Grande; to see how the Naval Complex industry was started in the town of Rio Grande; and to check possible changes in the town’s economy after the start of the referred Naval Complex. It is worthwhile to point out that the town used to have its economy based on agriculture and cattle raising during the time of its formation. However, Rio Grande used to stand out as a harbour outlet of the local produce back then, which included the period of the jerked beef business, although the town did not host any industries of the latter business sector due to local climate constraints. During the period of the local industry formation, the town hosted a diversified industry such as textiles, meatpacking, food, oil refining, fishing, as well as fertilizers. Nowadays, with the establishment of the Naval Complex, Rio Grande holds a diversified Industrial District, which comprises companies of several sectors, such as metallurgy, energy, chemicals, wood, paper and cellulose, services, food, and fertilizers, as well as hosting an excellent harbor structure, capable of outletting the farm and cattle raising produce from all over the state of Rio Grande do Sul.