Brazilian rail officials meet Derby firms

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Brazilian rail officials visited Derby last week to see what part firms in the East Midlands could play in delivering the country’s massive upcoming rail infrastructure programme.

In August, the Brazilian government pledged R$56 billion to rail infrastructure projects in the next five years, including the creation of 12 new national railways to boost the quality of transport services in the run up to the World Cup and 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The group were invited by UK Trade & Investment East Midlands to showcase the UK’s centre of excellence in rail.

On September 27, they visited the state-of-the-art control centre for Network Rail and TQ Catalis, a rail training company who specialise in signalling and track safety.

The day ended with a visit to software and technology company Delta Rail.

We can foresee great opportunities between the Derby and the Brazilian railway industries after this visit, in a two way directions, through a healthy partnership.

Peter Hogarth, regional director for UK Trade & Investment, said: “Derby and Derbyshire represents the UK centre of excellence in rail engineering, design, manufacture and consultancy and it’s fantastic that this has been recognised by such a high profile group of delegates from such an important and high-growth market as Brazil.

“Having passed the flame to Brazil the country is now all set to host the Olympics in 2016 and in order to deliver they require a large amount of rail development, including urban and metro rail.

“Brazil is a high-growth market and there is a lot of potential for work. This visit provides a fantastic opportunity for local firms to tap into the opportunities out there.”

Vicente Abate, president of the Brazilian Association of the Railroad Industry, said: “We can foresee great opportunities between the Derby and the Brazilian railway industries after this visit, in a two way directions, through a healthy partnership.

“I’d like to thank UKT&I. The support we received from them all week long was incredible.”

Michelle Craven, vice-chair of Derby & Derbyshire Rail Forum, said: “The vitality of the rail sector in the East Midlands can be seen by the membership of the Derby and Derbyshire Rail Forum – which represents over 100 local rail related businesses making it the largest rail cluster in the world!

“The diverse range of railway rolling stock, infrastructure and service businesses to be found in the County means that DDRF can offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ to overseas visitors keen to enhance and expand their own national rail networks.”

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