Rio - The Brazilian state-run airport administrator (Empresa de Infra-Estrutura Aeroportuária)(Infraero) would like to do business in other countries. According to the Infraer president, Carlos Wilson, "That is a big dream we have. I believe our company has the necessary know-how, reliability and credibility to become an exporter."

Wilson points out that airport administrating firms in Spain and Italy operate in other countries, such as Argentina. He says Infraer did make a tender offer to run the Carrasco Airport in Montevideo, coming in second in the bidding.

Meanwhile, Infraer has its eye on competitive bidding in Bolivia and Colombia. "I think it would be a good idea to begin our international operations close to home. maybe in Mercosur," said Wilson, adding that during the trip to Africa by president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Infraer signed a technical cooperation agreement with Angola. That, he concluded, could be the first step to adminstrating airports there.

Agência Brasil
Reporter:Alana Gandra
Translator: Allen Bennett
10/29/2004