Brazilian airport upgrades set to take off

It is no secret that the improvement of airports across Brazil is one of the most pressing requirements ahead of the 2014 World Cup and, thankfully, the wave of upgrades has now well and truly begun, even if a little later than expected.

Latest South Africa visit shows priorities

A recent visit to Cape Town by senior federal, state and local government officials from across Brazil has demonstrated a number of areas where international collaboration is considered important in preparations for the 2014 World Cup.

The ongoing fight for favela regeneration

As Rio de Janeiro prepares itself for the massive infrastructure requirements of an Olympic Games and, to a lesser extent, a FIFA World Cup, one of the greatest challenges and undoubtedly greatest opportunities is the redevelopment of the city´s many shanty towns, the favelas, into regular urban areas complete with normal city services free of open criminal activity: ultimately, this should be one of it not the top Games legacy post 2016.

Brazil Tourism Board using events of all kinds to drive tourism

Already ranked among the top global destinations for international events, Brazil is keen to win an even bigger slice of the market over the coming years, taking advantage of ongoing improvements to the country´s tourism and general infrastructure.

Salvador´s colour and charm sure to attract plenty of Cup attention

Continuing our series of reports on the twelve World Cup 2014 hosts, we move to Brazil´s northeast and one of its most famous and traditional cities, Salvador. Known for its natural beauty and welcoming people, Salvador is one of the principal tourist cities of Brazil offering a tranquil harbour and beaches for all tastes, while its Carnaval sits alongside Rio´s as the most famous and animated in the country.

Approved tender amendments change game for Cup/Rio projects

Australian companies interested in working on 2014 Brazil World Cup and Rio 2016 Olympics projects should find their path into the market a little simpler from today on following the approval of a range of changes to the laws governing tenders in the country.

Brazil and Britain to link London and Rio through arts and culture

In what may provide an important future channel for Australian groups interested in the Brazilian market, plans are currently underway for a series of events throughout Brazil celebrating British culture in the months during and after the London 2012 Olympics.

Golf course solution opens new prospects

The ongoing dilemma involving the selection of a golf course in Rio de Janeiro suitable to host the 2016 Olympics golf tournament may soon lead to opportunities for specialists in golf course design and construction and related services.

Motorola shows the way into the Brazilian market

Mobile communications giant Motorola is attempting to take advantage of its strong background in major events technology upon launching a new push into Brazil.

Olympic-standard facility requirements to present opportunities across country

The recent announcement of a wide range of locations pre-selected to host official Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics training centres provides yet another indicator of hotspots for specialised expertise and equipment opportunities over the coming years, plus an outline of how and when projects will unfold in the lead up to the Games.

Big numbers for infrastructure investment over coming years

Some noteworthy new figures for predicted infrastructure spending in Brazil over the coming years have been revealed at a recent Spanish Chamber of Commerce event in Sao Paulo. Abdib, the Brazilian Infrastructure Association, released it most recent research which forecasts that R$804 billion will be invested between now and 2014, across key areas including electricity, oil and gas, logistics, transport and sanitation.

New trade mission focused on sustainable development

The Victorian government has launched initial details of an important new trade mission scheduled for July 16-30. The “Sustainable Urbanisation Mission to South America” will visit Brazil and Chile in a bid to identify and secure business opportunities relating to urban and sustainable development in what is one of the most rapidly urbanising regions in the world.

Accessing the big guns to seek out opportunities

In a play to gain important links to some of the main decision makers involved in 2014 World Cup and Rio 2016 infrastructure preparations, the UK´s trade and investment arm, UKTI, recently held an event in London bringing together contractors and consultants involved in the 2012 Olympics with five big Brazilian construction groups already working on key projects and firmly in the reckoning for more major contracts over the coming years.