Australian groups with an interest in World Cup 2014 and Rio 2016 opportunities should note the latest international move to link with the two events: a huge trade mission from Belgium is in Brazil this week accompanying Prince Philippe on an official visit to the country. A report in business newspaper Valor details how executives from 120 companies are taking advantage of the royal presence and have already offered some telling insights into the best options for approaching the complex yet dynamic market.
Re-iterating a common piece of advice on the Brazilian business environment, a number of participants have confirmed that they are primarily looking at partnership and even acquisition opportunities as a means of dealing with the country’s infamous “bureaucratic complexity”.
Amongst the diverse delegation are a range of businesses looking directly at Cup and Games opportunities, as part of an industry body called Belgium SportsTechnology Club. The entity has brought together 50 companies offering a “complete project” to organiser of both the Cup and Rio 2016, including two service providers that have already decided to establish a presence in Brazil: event, travel and hospitality specialist Suseia, and Veldeman Structure Solutions, which offers a range of temporary construction solutions.
Although yet to finalise anything, event specialist Production Resources Group has also been in discussions with Cup organisers about potential requirements, according to the report.