Region's firms urged to bid for Brazil billions

UK Trade & Investment held seminars this week for businesses interested in bidding for work in the booming South American country.

Earlier this year, Jeff Sanders, one of UK Trade & Investments team of International Trade Advisers in the North-East, led a delegation of companies from the region on a market visit to Brazil and has been researching opportunities for local companies.

"The results were truly staggering," he said. "With a population of 200 million people and a land mass of more than two and a half times that of the EU, Brazil will soon be the fifth biggest economy in the world.

"As well as going to Sao Paulo, Brazils most important business centre, I also went to the State of Pernambuco in the north east of the country where I spoke to a construction company that employs 26,000 people. It is currently working on a contract to build four football stadiums for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and is keen to speak to British companies about supplying all the fittings for the buildings such as doors, lights and sound systems.

"As well as opportunities around sporting events, Brazil is also a key market for the oil and gas sector and as the North East is seen as one of the worlds centres of excellence in this field there is plenty of potential to do business. There are also new ports and shipyards to support this sector being built all along the coast."

Commenting on the business opportunities Lord Green, Minister for Trade and Investment, said: "British businesses have proved time and time again that they are amongst the best in the world, and there is no reason why their bids should not succeed. UK Trade & Investment can provide them with all the support that they need."

Contracts include work in construction, security systems and planning, environmental services, transport planning and training.

For more information email: andrew.whitnell@ukti.gsi.gov.uk