With the planning process for 2014 well underway, now is the time to for Australian companies to target oportunities in Infrastructure, Design, Supply and associated Major Event Services.
Registering interest
The Brazilian Ministry of Sport has recently launched an online supplier database designed to consolidate information about companies looking to bid for tenders:
http://copa2014.questionpro.com/
Registering interest is an important first step for Australian companies looking to participate in future tenders around the 2014 Brazil FIFA World Cup.
Why should you register?
• Promote and profile your expertise within the 2014 Organising Committee
• Allow 2014 project managers at state and federal level to proactively match your expertise with local opportunities
• Provides an avenue for Brazilian companies to contact you regarding JV’s and partnership opportunities
• Increase your chances of accessing and winning tenders
To discuss opportunities around 2014 Brazil FIFA World Cup and Rio 2016 Olympics further, please contact:
Austrade Australia
Tom Calder
Senior Industry Advisor -Sport
Melbourne
T (03) 9648 3285
E tom.calder@austrade.gov.au
Austrade Brazil
Fabio Nave
Business Development Manager
Sao Paulo
T +55 (11) 2112 6212
E fabio.nave@austrade.gov.au
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Comparisons aside, the focus must turn to modifications
While the concept of using major sporting events like the football World Cup and Olympics to drive urban and social development in host cities is not new, the unique set of circumstances for each location plays a major role, of course, in determining just how such development unfolds. In Brazil, the circumstances in host cities, all twelve different versions of them, are so far proving rather tricky and non-conducive to top class outcomes.
There has been no lack of ambition and lofty discussion in relation to the potential of the 2014 Cup and Rio 2016 to bring about major positive changes to urban infrastructure and social situations around Brazil, however the harsh realities of mounting such massive, coordinated projects involving both public and private funds and multiple levels of government have already kicked well in and are forcing the modification of many earlier plans, all during a Brazilian election year which has further complicated matters right across the board.
Following recent trips by Brazilian groups to South Africa to inspect 2010 Cup stadia, a number of journalists and commentators have pointed to the similarities and differences between the two countries in an attempt to create scenarios for the Brazilian tournament a couple of months out from the opening match. Amongst other things, one journo suggested Sao Paulo’s Morumbi Stadium will not be accepted by FIFA as the opening ceremony host simply because it will only be a refurbished venue and not a brand spanking new one, as is the case for Soccer City in Johannesburg, location of the 2010 Cup opener. Another commentator more sensibly went over some of the differences between Johannesburg’s two Cup host stadia, famed rugby shrine Ellis Park and the new Soccer City arena, pointing out that while the former, older and slightly shabby-looking venue will merely host some of the pool matches, the virgin Soccer City will be the stage for the tournament’s biggest matches; ie. not all 2014 stadia will be, or, more importantly, will need to be at the same ‘world’s best’ level, and some won´t even be in the same ballpark, so to speak. Others mentioned the fact that, even though many of the 2010 stadia are fantastic, modern venues, the host cities themselves have remained stuck with the same problems from before the Cup bid was won.
Again, it all comes down to circumstances, and it is more than likely that at least some of the 12 host cities for 2014 will find their particular circumstances have forced their grand initial vision to remain just that, and that, come 2014, significantly modified versions will be the reality; as mentioned above, this is already happening to some extent. With such major modifications a near certainty, the challenge then becomes how these changes unfold and what focus the altered projects take on, particularly in relation to urban and social development. In many ways, the focus should ideally shift away from the quality of the actual stadia and on to the associated improvements in the cities’ infrastructure and the well-being of its residents, areas which should be the last to suffer from whichever hiccups during the planning and development process.
Sure, some of the 2014 stadia may not end up as mind blowing, 2006 Cup-style pieces of design genius, but, as long as FIFA’s minimum requirements are met, the limited, circumstance-affected resources will be better put to use improving Brazil´s urban infrastructure and social dilemmas.
There has been no lack of ambition and lofty discussion in relation to the potential of the 2014 Cup and Rio 2016 to bring about major positive changes to urban infrastructure and social situations around Brazil, however the harsh realities of mounting such massive, coordinated projects involving both public and private funds and multiple levels of government have already kicked well in and are forcing the modification of many earlier plans, all during a Brazilian election year which has further complicated matters right across the board.
Following recent trips by Brazilian groups to South Africa to inspect 2010 Cup stadia, a number of journalists and commentators have pointed to the similarities and differences between the two countries in an attempt to create scenarios for the Brazilian tournament a couple of months out from the opening match. Amongst other things, one journo suggested Sao Paulo’s Morumbi Stadium will not be accepted by FIFA as the opening ceremony host simply because it will only be a refurbished venue and not a brand spanking new one, as is the case for Soccer City in Johannesburg, location of the 2010 Cup opener. Another commentator more sensibly went over some of the differences between Johannesburg’s two Cup host stadia, famed rugby shrine Ellis Park and the new Soccer City arena, pointing out that while the former, older and slightly shabby-looking venue will merely host some of the pool matches, the virgin Soccer City will be the stage for the tournament’s biggest matches; ie. not all 2014 stadia will be, or, more importantly, will need to be at the same ‘world’s best’ level, and some won´t even be in the same ballpark, so to speak. Others mentioned the fact that, even though many of the 2010 stadia are fantastic, modern venues, the host cities themselves have remained stuck with the same problems from before the Cup bid was won.
Again, it all comes down to circumstances, and it is more than likely that at least some of the 12 host cities for 2014 will find their particular circumstances have forced their grand initial vision to remain just that, and that, come 2014, significantly modified versions will be the reality; as mentioned above, this is already happening to some extent. With such major modifications a near certainty, the challenge then becomes how these changes unfold and what focus the altered projects take on, particularly in relation to urban and social development. In many ways, the focus should ideally shift away from the quality of the actual stadia and on to the associated improvements in the cities’ infrastructure and the well-being of its residents, areas which should be the last to suffer from whichever hiccups during the planning and development process.
Sure, some of the 2014 stadia may not end up as mind blowing, 2006 Cup-style pieces of design genius, but, as long as FIFA’s minimum requirements are met, the limited, circumstance-affected resources will be better put to use improving Brazil´s urban infrastructure and social dilemmas.
Monday, March 8, 2010
The deadlines that count
Two big deadlines are looming for organisers of the 2014 Brazil World Cup, making the next few months a critical period with serious repercussions for the rest of 2010 if things are not dealt with adequately. First, there is FIFA and the Local Organising Committee´s (LOC) already-extended deadline of May 3 for the commencement of works on all host stadia, a date that is unlikely to be met by at least a few of the cities, most of which are still yet to move any earth whatsoever. LOC head Ricardo Teixeira, himself no stranger to a bit of rule bending, last week sent a tough warning to all host cities, stating that they had better have very good, written explanations if the deadline is not met (seriously), and that stronger measures, such as losing their hosting rights, may be taken if things aren't looking good.
Just one month later comes an even more important date, with June 3 marking the final day for Brazilian governments to enter into any kinds of agreements or contracts involving public funds until after this year's election in November; so we are talking 2011. With all but three of the host stadia publically owned and the others reliant on significant government involvement, at least during the upgrading period, the six month lock-out could easily force a range of delays given all of the projects are already behind schedule, such that any prior planning to avoid key decisions during the second half of 2010 may have already been compromised.
This means either some serious work will be done over the coming months to ensure all contracts required for the first stages of work are in place by June, or some serious re-scheduling will start if the deadline is not met; what else will there be to do?
Just one month later comes an even more important date, with June 3 marking the final day for Brazilian governments to enter into any kinds of agreements or contracts involving public funds until after this year's election in November; so we are talking 2011. With all but three of the host stadia publically owned and the others reliant on significant government involvement, at least during the upgrading period, the six month lock-out could easily force a range of delays given all of the projects are already behind schedule, such that any prior planning to avoid key decisions during the second half of 2010 may have already been compromised.
This means either some serious work will be done over the coming months to ensure all contracts required for the first stages of work are in place by June, or some serious re-scheduling will start if the deadline is not met; what else will there be to do?
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Finish line remains despite more delays
Further delays to two 2014 World Cup host stadia projects were revealed this week, with Porto Alegre's Beira Rio development continuing in a state of suspended animation as the stadium's managers, Brazilian Championship club Sport Club Internacional, await the sale of its old facility the 'Eucaliptos' as well as the clarification of special tax rules that would reduce the required investment by 30%. This all despite the fact that the project was at one time scheduled to begin at the end of 2008. Although some minor works have begun, FIFA's March 2010 deadline for the beginning of the main project is now looking a very tough ask.
The second delay occurred in Recife, the capital of President Lula's north-eastern home state Pernambuco, where the tender process for the primary construction contract for the Arena Capibaribe has been delayed by almost two months following a decision by the Federal Public Ministry to change parts of the tender requirements, allowing more groups to submit bids but forcing the submission date to be moved to late March. The start date for construction has also been put back by two months, from March to May, however the organising committee remains adamant that the completion deadline of December 2012 will still be met.
The same deadline for the Beira Rio project, December 2012, also remains, despite the ongoing impasse. The dates for the World Cup 2014 will certainly not change.
The second delay occurred in Recife, the capital of President Lula's north-eastern home state Pernambuco, where the tender process for the primary construction contract for the Arena Capibaribe has been delayed by almost two months following a decision by the Federal Public Ministry to change parts of the tender requirements, allowing more groups to submit bids but forcing the submission date to be moved to late March. The start date for construction has also been put back by two months, from March to May, however the organising committee remains adamant that the completion deadline of December 2012 will still be met.
The same deadline for the Beira Rio project, December 2012, also remains, despite the ongoing impasse. The dates for the World Cup 2014 will certainly not change.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Sport The Winner As Cup Propels Investments All Around
While the 2014 World Cup requires the construction of three news stadia and nine major stadium refurbishments around Brazil by 2013, creating opportunities across a range of industries, a further benefit will be the improvement and development of many other non-2014 sport and stadia facilities throughout the country. Indeed, looking past the big, expensive and media-friendly projects for the 12 host stadia for 2014, there are a number of (sorely needed) developments under way.
Amongst others, Brazil’s southern-most state capital Porto Alegre will be home to a second top class venue by 2014, with the upgrade of Internacional’s Beira Rio Stadium, the official World Cup venue, to be matched by a brand new, 50,000 capacity arena developed by cross-town rival club Gremio (which has not yet given up hope of stealing the Cup hosting rights); Minas Gerais state capital Belo Horizonte will gain a significantly upgraded secondary stadium, with the Independencia venue to receive a major overhaul during 2010, moving from 10,000 to 25,000 capacity; Rio de Janeiro will obviously be the centre of major sport facility development over the coming years thanks to the 2014 Cup and 2016 Olympics double-whammy; while countless private football and sports clubs around Brazil are busy planning extensive facility upgrades and developments, either with views to hosting one of the 31 travelling World Cup squads during the 2014 tournament or simply to hitch a ride on the new wave of interest in sport in the country.
Such infrastructural development is more than overdue if Brazil is to ramp up its sport participation levels and international performances (beyond football and volleyball) over the coming years, as has been mooted in various circles and is suggested by the country’s move to host the world’s two biggest sporting events back-to-back. Although understandable given its recent history of social and economic problems, the plain fact is that most Brazilian cities have very little in the way of high quality sporting facilities and stadia, with the former generally restricted to expensive, private clubs and the latter consisting of just two or three large stadia per city (and all of which still require significant upgrading to reach current international standards).
Furthermore, as has been seen in many other major event host countries in recent years, the development of new sporting infrastructure can and should bring with it significant social, urban and environmental improvements, providing fresh opportunities for Brazil and its people.
Amongst others, Brazil’s southern-most state capital Porto Alegre will be home to a second top class venue by 2014, with the upgrade of Internacional’s Beira Rio Stadium, the official World Cup venue, to be matched by a brand new, 50,000 capacity arena developed by cross-town rival club Gremio (which has not yet given up hope of stealing the Cup hosting rights); Minas Gerais state capital Belo Horizonte will gain a significantly upgraded secondary stadium, with the Independencia venue to receive a major overhaul during 2010, moving from 10,000 to 25,000 capacity; Rio de Janeiro will obviously be the centre of major sport facility development over the coming years thanks to the 2014 Cup and 2016 Olympics double-whammy; while countless private football and sports clubs around Brazil are busy planning extensive facility upgrades and developments, either with views to hosting one of the 31 travelling World Cup squads during the 2014 tournament or simply to hitch a ride on the new wave of interest in sport in the country.
Such infrastructural development is more than overdue if Brazil is to ramp up its sport participation levels and international performances (beyond football and volleyball) over the coming years, as has been mooted in various circles and is suggested by the country’s move to host the world’s two biggest sporting events back-to-back. Although understandable given its recent history of social and economic problems, the plain fact is that most Brazilian cities have very little in the way of high quality sporting facilities and stadia, with the former generally restricted to expensive, private clubs and the latter consisting of just two or three large stadia per city (and all of which still require significant upgrading to reach current international standards).
Furthermore, as has been seen in many other major event host countries in recent years, the development of new sporting infrastructure can and should bring with it significant social, urban and environmental improvements, providing fresh opportunities for Brazil and its people.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Pelé's Africa warning draws sound advice from SA football boss
The little saga this week involving comments by Brazilian football god Pelé about issues with security in Africa ahead of the 2010 World Cup is worth noting not only for the obvious parallels with Brazil’s own issues for the 2014 Cup but also for the response by South African Football Association (SAFA) President Kirsten Nematandani (for a marginally less diplomatic response check out this). The comments related to the serious incident involving an attack on the Togo national team in Angola during the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament, with Pelé’s quite simple assertion that the episode would have repercussions for South Africa 2010 security drawing a rapid reply from Nemetandani that “Angola is a far way from South Africa” and that “people must remember that Africa has 52 countries.”
Brazilian Football Confederation bosses take note, as a similar concept applies to the 2014 Cup: just as South Africa has distanced itself from troubled nations in the same neighbourhood to avoid being caught up in negative incidents and stereotypess, so too should Brazilian host cities distance themselves from the country’s chief source of negative images: drugs and violence in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Despite Rio’s obvious position as the centrepiece of 2014, which will include a second World Cup final on the hallowed turf of Maracanã, the other 11 host cities and hundreds of tourist destinations far away from the infamous slums will, combined, play a far greater role than Rio alone. Indeed, with 90% of the matches to be played in cities other than Rio, a good portion of visitors and certainly many locals will not go anywhere near the city during the event.
That’s certainly not to say that the other host cities do not have problems of their own, however there is nothing really rivalling Rio’s dilemmas in terms of open violence, and the likes of Curitiba, Natal, Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre boast some of the highest standards of living in Latin America. As such, convincing worried potential visitors that Rio's problems are a long way from their tranquil, tourist-friendly settings should certainly be on the agendas of host city and state governments as the 2014 Cup approaches.
Brazilian Football Confederation bosses take note, as a similar concept applies to the 2014 Cup: just as South Africa has distanced itself from troubled nations in the same neighbourhood to avoid being caught up in negative incidents and stereotypess, so too should Brazilian host cities distance themselves from the country’s chief source of negative images: drugs and violence in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Despite Rio’s obvious position as the centrepiece of 2014, which will include a second World Cup final on the hallowed turf of Maracanã, the other 11 host cities and hundreds of tourist destinations far away from the infamous slums will, combined, play a far greater role than Rio alone. Indeed, with 90% of the matches to be played in cities other than Rio, a good portion of visitors and certainly many locals will not go anywhere near the city during the event.
That’s certainly not to say that the other host cities do not have problems of their own, however there is nothing really rivalling Rio’s dilemmas in terms of open violence, and the likes of Curitiba, Natal, Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre boast some of the highest standards of living in Latin America. As such, convincing worried potential visitors that Rio's problems are a long way from their tranquil, tourist-friendly settings should certainly be on the agendas of host city and state governments as the 2014 Cup approaches.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Events driving big improvements for tourists
Beyond the construction delays, political disputes and miscellaneous problems currently affecting many World Cup 2014 infrastructure projects, there is at least one aspect of the hosting equation that looks well on track: tourism. It is no secret that Brazil has all the makings of a global superpower in this area and the key decision makers seem to be well aware of the need and opportunity to use the Cup and Olympics to harness this often raw potential and improve the country’s ability to cater for all shapes, sizes and budgets.
There have been plenty of smart moves made already, such as the ‘Olá, Turista!’ program offering English and Spanish language courses for hospitality workers in host cities (145,000 pre-enrolments to this point significantly exceeding initial expectations), the launch of various information portals and online resources focused on Cup tourism, the ‘Aquarela 2020’ federal government study to define international marketing aims, objectives and strategies over the next decade, and the freeing up of BNDES (National Bank of Economic Development) credit specifically for tourism and hotel developments.
All in all, Brazil looks well placed to turn itself into a much more tourist friendly destination over the coming years, great for the Cup and Olympics but, more importantly, priceless in terms of the country’s international standing long after the two events have moved on.
There have been plenty of smart moves made already, such as the ‘Olá, Turista!’ program offering English and Spanish language courses for hospitality workers in host cities (145,000 pre-enrolments to this point significantly exceeding initial expectations), the launch of various information portals and online resources focused on Cup tourism, the ‘Aquarela 2020’ federal government study to define international marketing aims, objectives and strategies over the next decade, and the freeing up of BNDES (National Bank of Economic Development) credit specifically for tourism and hotel developments.
All in all, Brazil looks well placed to turn itself into a much more tourist friendly destination over the coming years, great for the Cup and Olympics but, more importantly, priceless in terms of the country’s international standing long after the two events have moved on.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Electoral politics force cuts to Cup budget
R$1.8 billion earmarked for spending on the 2014 World Cup has been stripped from Brazil's 2010 Budget in line with demands by the Democrat party, which maintains that only projects with political interests will be affected by the move. Democrat leader Ronaldo Caiado said that only amendments made by the government at the final hour have been declined, mainly because they involved political point-scoring, and that all other spending previously laid out will be maintained, such that the 2014 Cup will not suffer any delays.
Federal Deputy Geraldo Magela, instigator of the rejected amendments, said the decision will affect non-core projects that should already be underway, such as training centre developments and security upgrades, but will not have an impact on the realisation of the event.
Federal Deputy Geraldo Magela, instigator of the rejected amendments, said the decision will affect non-core projects that should already be underway, such as training centre developments and security upgrades, but will not have an impact on the realisation of the event.
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