The investment in infrastructure is one of the key factors for
Brazil to resume the control of its economy. The present shortage
of public resources means that private financing will be decisive.
But it will be possible only if accompanied by appropriate
guarantees to the lenders.
Road and rail transports are examples of infrastructure sectors
that are facing difficulties. In the first case, only 13% of the
highways are paved and almost half of the roads are not in good
condition. The average increase in operating costs due to poor road
conditions is 25%1.
The case of the railways is even more critical. Brazil is a rare
example of country where the rail network decreased instead of
increasing, as a result of the absolute priority given to the road
transport. This retraction works against the needs of a country
with continental dimensions, considering that rail transport is
much more efficient for long distance trips. The railways also
stand out for their lower
