O papel dos empreendimentos comerciais árabes no processo de desenvolvimento de Santana do Livramento / RS

Abstract

The presence of Arab immigrants started to stand out in border regions along with the activities attributed to the developed trade. In this sense, the present research aims to analyze the role of Arab commercial enterprises in the development process of Santana do Livramento/RS. The specific objectives consist of: a) identifying commercial enterprises belonging to Arab immigrants; b) to characterize the Arab commercial enterprises; and c) verify the relationship between Arab commercial enterprises and local development. Methodologically, the research presents a mixed sequential, exploratory and descriptive character, based on the inductive method of economics. The research techniques adopted were: literature review and primary data collection, through the application of questionnaires and interviews. 62 closed questionnaires were applied - with an open question - and two interviews were carried out, based on an open script, with Arab immigrants who have enterprises in Santana do Livramento/RS. The results show that there are 76 Arab enterprises in Santana do Livramento/RS, of which 66 operate in commerce and ten in the service sector. Arab enterprises generate 472 direct jobs. Finally, it is noteworthy that Arab immigrants contribute to the development process of the municipality mainly through the generation of jobs and the opportunities for better life they provide for society.