Australia´s chances of building new business links in Brazil through the 2014 World Cup and Rio 2016 have received a boost with the changeover of the Brazilian federal government.
Having held a number of promising talks with the Brazilian sport ministry over the course of 2010, the Australian government and business groups will be able to take full advantage of these initial inroads following the new president´s decision to reappoint sport minister Orlando Silva to the role. Although the exact makeup of the ministry is yet to be known, including whether key contacts with previous involvement in discussions with Australian groups will remain, the appointment of Silva is an important first step. Further details are expected over the next few weeks.
President Dilma has also confirmed Brazil´s strong commitment to preparing the country and Rio in particular for a successful Olympics in 2016. IOC president Jacques Rogge visited Rio for the unveiling of the official Games logo and Dilma made further assurances of the government’s full support for local organisers and the IOC itself, a further bonus for Australia given its strong involvement with the Olympic movement.