The Brazilian federal government today released a report detailing key progress updates related to the country's preparations to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which revealed that Brazil's preparations are progressing smoothly and on schedule. Notably, the government confirmed that today, a full 1,000 days prior to the start of the

2014 FIFA World Cup, preparatory works have begun in all 12 of the World Cup stadiums, and in eight of the 13 host city airports.

At a press conference held today, the government released a report on the country´s preparations for the 2014 World Cup, and representatives of the 12 host cities discussed up-to-date urban mobility and stadium developments.

Brazilian Minister of Sports Orlando Silva, Minister of Planning Miriam Belchior, Minister of Cities Mario Negromonte, Special Secretariat for Ports Leonidas Cristino, and Secretary of Civil Aviation Wagner Bittencourt participated in the event.

"We consider stadiums a resolved issue. We will have nine of them ready by 2012 and all of them done by 2013. There has also been important progress regarding the works in airports, and we are very pleased with this. Stadiums and airports are the most important pillars for the World Cup to take place," said Minister of Sports Orlando Silva during the event in Brasília.

"With regard to urban mobility, every city has sped up the pace of works and processes. It's good news," he added.

Brazil has met six of the 11 federal assurances set forth to host the 2014 World Cup. The remaining assurances will be discussed this week in Congress, when the bill of the General Law of the World Cup is sent to the federal legislature.

The following infrastructure updates were discussed at today's press conference:

Stadiums

Works have begun in all 12 of the World Cup stadiums, all of which will be environmentally certified. By the end of 2012, nine stadiums are expected to be completed, and the remaining stadiums by the end of 2013. The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) provides financing for the stadiums and host cities can apply for up to US$ 234.8 million (R$ 400 million). To date, contracts totaling approximately US$ 1.35 billion (R$ 2.3 billion) have been signed.

Airports

Works have begun in eight of the 13 host city airports, and the financing to support these works, provided entirely by the federal government, has reached US$ 3.8 billion (R$ 6.5 billion). Planned enhancements to one of the host city airports, Viracopos airport (near São Paulo), have already been completed.  

Urban Mobility

Urban mobility works are an important aspect for Brazil during and following the World Cup. Thus, the federal state and municipal governments selected 49 works from the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) that will benefit the 2014 World Cup host cities, which are responsible for implementation.  To date, urban mobility works have begun in five cities.

Ports

Seven additional works are expected to focus on the construction of modern tourist terminals for cruises along the Brazilian coast. The bidding has been published for four cities, and all works are expected to be completed by 2013, with a total investment of approximately US$ 527.8 million (R$ 898.9 million).

Institutional Actions

Nine committees (called Thematic Chambers) were created to discuss public policy and technical solutions related to the 2014 World Cup preparations.

The committees are comprised of federal, state and municipal government officials, as well as civil society and sectorial representatives. Two laws, the Different Policies for Procurement Law and Law 12,350 have been established to address tax exemption and customs duties related to the 2014 World Cup.

Transparency Mechanisms

In order to monitor budget execution and the progress of 2014 World Cup preparations, Brazil has established the Transparency Portal. The Portal was created by the Office of the Comptroller General (CGU), with support of the federal government and host cities to serve as an ongoing source of information. http://www.portaltransparencia.gov.br/copa2014

On September 16, the official World Cup website of the federal government will launch its final version, offering information and news updates to the public. http://www.copa2014.gov.br/

17 Sept. 2011