The state of Minas Gerais and its capital Belo Horizonte continue as strong links for Australia following a visit by a large delegation of Australian business and government representatives last Thursday as part of the previously-mentioned Brazil sport and major events-focused trade mission.
Mission participants from a range of backgrounds including sport specific education, design, management and services were delivered a highly professional presentation of investments and opportunities in the city related to the 2014 World Cup. Belo Horizonte is considered one of the host cities leading the way on Brazil 2014 preparations and this proved opportune for businesses looking at latter-stage opportunities such as those related to venue overlay and event operations. A major, long term airport expansion featuring new terminals, hotels, shopping centres and sport and leisure facilities was also presented to the group.
Australia already has strong existing links to the state and city thanks to Belo Horizonte`s position as the mining capital of Brazil, and some mission delegates were able to leverage this connection to open up additional opportunities.
In 2011 further Australia-Belo Horizonte connections will be forged, with the Queensland government to appoint a trade representative in the city and Austrade to coordinate Australia’s role as the anchor country of Inovatec 2011, a leading innovation and technology conference and exhibition.