Authorities in Minas Gerais, in southeastern Brazil, want to attract international investors to participate in infrastructure projects in the state.

Between February 28 and March 4, state government officials held meetings with potential investors and other infrastructure agents in Europe.

The events, which took place in France and Spain, unveiled a variety of projects, including the public-private partnership (PPP) for the construction of the 5 billion reais ($984 million) Rodoanel Metropolitano ring road in Belo Horizonte. .

“It was a great opportunity to present projects such as the Metropolitan Rodoanel to international players and also to understand how these countries have found solutions to metropolitan transport challenges,” said Fernando Marcato, Secretary of State for Infrastructure and Mobility, in a press release.

The state government plans to auction the 30-year PPP contract on the Brazil Stock Exchange on April 28. The winner will design, build, operate and maintain the infrastructure, while the state government will oversee compliance.

AGREEMENT WITH THE USA

As part of the state government’s efforts to attract international investors, Governor Romeu Zema this week signed a cooperation agreement with the office of the United States Embassy in Minas Gerais to collaborate in the areas of l education, health, science and technology, environment, public safety, trade and investment.

“It’s very satisfying to take this step to strengthen our relationship. Our business has grown much faster than any other state, which equates to 30% per year, which is very important. We want it continues, because I think Minas Gerais has a lot to offer, as does the United States,” Zema said in a statement.

American investors are the third largest in the state. Last year they invested a total of $2.5 billion in Minas Gerais, mostly in sectors such as coffee production, iron ore and chemicals, according to the state government.