Insider

Brazil’s Infrastructure Minister seeks to attract investment at New York roadshow

Brazil's Infrastructure Minister Marcelo Sampaio (behind, to the right) in a meeting with his predecessor Tarcísio de Freitas (right, to the front) and with President Bolsonaro. Photo: Alan Santos/PR
Brazil’s Infrastructure Minister Marcelo Sampaio (behind, to the right) in a meeting with his predecessor Tarcísio de Freitas (right, to the front) and with President Bolsonaro. Photo: Alan Santos/PR

Marcelo Sampaio, who took office as Brazil’s Infrastructure Minister last month, will spend the week in New York to present investors with Brazil’s plan to privatize ports, railways, and highways. He hopes to change the country’s poor image, marred by unprofitable concessions under the current government.

Mr. Sampaio faces a tough task. Despite boasting bold projects such as the privatization of the Port of Santos, the election and economic polarization raise uncertainty about the longevity of any deal signed this year.

President Bolsonaro has slashed the average amount of investments made by the federal government by 19 percent, when compared to the three years before his term began.

The government nevertheless hopes to raise over BRL 100 billion (USD 19.5 billion) in investments by passing 34 airports, 34 port terminals, six railways, and six federal highways over to private control.