For many years it has been difficult for the remote states in the centre of Brazil to access sea ports so that they could export their products of cotton, leather, lumber and beef to Europe, Russia and Asia. Now a barge freight service on the River Madeira is enabling them to bring their goods along the River Amazonia to the main sea ports in an environmentally freindly manner. Local politicians have been supporting import and export projects which will allow this area to continue its economic development, and they are encouraging more producers to incorporate the barge transport into their logistics chain.