renowned for its booming tourism industry, exotic scenery and vibrant spirit, rio de janeiro is primarily a boisterous playground for many visitors, who travel to the city for leisure. what the crowds of sun seekers may not realize is, that rio de janeiro is also a hub of industry, and, in fact, brazil's second largest city in terms of gdp, behind são paulo.

the city leads the state of rio de janeiro, and is the economical motor of the region, compromising 70% of its economic strength. with a large port and international airport, rio has become an important industrial, financial and commercial center.