US seeks to be Brazil’s preferred partner in infrastructure

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday (Aug 1) that US companies want to expand their participation in infrastructure projects in Latin America, especially Brazil. Speaking to Latin American executives, Ross said he was impressed with the plans devised by the Infrastucture Ministry for the sector.

“I met earlier today with [Brazilian] minister of Infrastructure [Tarcísio Freitas] and I must say was very impressed with the detailed level of his planning, the fact that it has in the very near term bids coming up. This is a government that’s really starting to move, and I think that’s a very, very important consideration for those of you who are a little nervous about bidding up things. I’d be less nervous here than in some places,” he argued during the Annual Infrastructure Leadership Forum of Latin America, in Brasília.

Ports and roads

The US Department of Commerce, the secretary said, has supported US companies with the help of business teams located in strategic areas in Brazil. There are plans for a trade mission for ports and roads, he said, adding that US companies first want to learn more about projects and concessions in these sectors.

“The US wishes to be the preferred partner for projects in Latin America, because our companies offer the expertise, innovation, [and] integrity […] for the opportunities being highlighted here,” he added.

Main projects

The Infrastructure Minister reported that, during the meeting with Ross, a portfolio with the main projects was presented for private investments in roads, railways, ports, and airports, including 41 airport concessions, auctions, leasing deals, port privatization plans, and railway concessions.