Wednesday, 02 May 2012
Overview of Rio de Janeiro
PN35/2012
2 May 2012
UK Companies are urged to compete for £20 billion of construction projects in Brazil
The Pedra de Ferro mining project, in North East Brazil is expected to award contracts worth in excess of £3 billion ($5 billion). They are particularly keen to award contracts that provide eco-efficient technologies and clean development mechanisms.
The project offers a range of opportunities to British businesses. These include mine infrastructure, construction, transport infrastructure (such as road and rail building and the construction of shipping and container terminals) and new port development.
UK Trade & Investment is running a trade mission for companies to learn more about this opportunity from 24 May until 1 June. Eligible British companies will have the chance to meet the World Cup Delivery Authority (SECOPA), leading Brazilian contractors as well as global manufacturers producing in Brazil, Anglo American, Rio Tinto and other end users of construction and mining equipment. Companies who are interested in participating in the mission should contact Joanna Oliver at Joanna.oliver@admin.co.uk.
Apart from the opportunity at Pedra de Ferro, UK Trade & Investment estimates that the World Cup and Olympic Games in Brazil will generate business opportunities worth up £17 billion ($27billion) for British companies. The opportunities include construction (such as stadia, infrastructure and commercial premises), environmental services and transportation.
UK Trade & Investment Sectors Group Managing Director, Edward Oakden, who is heavily involved in the Pedra de Ferro project said:
“British businesses in Brazil already have an impressive track record of delivering large scale construction programmes around the world to time and to budget, including the main venues and infrastructure for the Olympic Games in London, where construction was completed a year ahead of the event. As such, British companies are well placed to win a share of the exciting Pedra de Ferro project. UK Trade & Investment’s forthcoming trade mission will give British companies direct contact with the mine developers, construction equipment purchasers and a wide range of other firms involved in these complex infrastructure projects. I strongly encourage British companies to join this trade mission and to see for themselves the enormous trade potential both in the Pedra de Ferro project specifically and in Brazil more generally.”
Talking about his experience of joining a UK Trade & Investment trade mission, Tim Whiteman, CEO & Managing Director from International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) said:
“UK Trade & Investment’s 2011 mission to Brazil helped IPAF make new contacts and understand the size of a market we had just started working in. The briefings we received were first class and particularly helped us to understand the opportunities and problems facing us in delivering our training programmes to the Brazilian market. Sessions on banking, legal responsibilities and the political system were especially helpful. As a result the company now has members and approved training centres in Brazil and are about to recruit further.”
Businesses who would like to find out more about the Pedra de Ferro project should contact John Strang at UK Trade & Investment at john.strang@ukti.gsi.gov.uk.
UK Trade & Investment has also produced two reports on the opportunities around the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics: “Game On – Progress in Brazil’s preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup” and “Brazil’s Moment to Shine – Opportunities for UK business in the Rio 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Games”. Businesses who would like copies of the report can obtain them by e-mailing sarah.wynn@ukti.gsi.gov.uk
Companies who participate in the trade mission will have to meet their own travel and accommodation costs.
Notes to editors
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)207 215 8000. For latest press releases, visit the online newsroom at www.ukti.gov.uk/media.
Mission Participation Fee – a participation fee of £299 per company (plus UK VAT) is payable for the first Missioner per company. An additional representative may attend subject to sufficient space for a reduced participation fee of £150 (plus UK VAT). For further information please contact Joanna Oliver at Joanna.oliver@admin.co.uk.
Brazil Key Facts:
Brazil is the world's 7th largest economy and by far the largest in Latin America. It is the fifth-largest country in the world, with one of the world’s most rapidly developing economies and a GDP per head that is greater than either India or China.
The total Foreign Direct Investment inflow to Brazil in 2010 was US$48 billion, an increase of 87% on 2009, lifting Brazil to 5th place in the world ranking of capital inflows
A number of UK companies have significant investments in Brazil, including BG Group, Rio Tinto, Shell, BP, Wellstream, JCB Rexam, De La Rue, GSK, Bunzl, Experian, Priestman Goode and WGSN.
Media contact
For more information from UK Trade & Investment, please contact Benno Hilton at on 020 7215 4218 or e-mail benno.hilton@ukti.gsi.gov.uk.