National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) and the State of Minas Gerais in Brazil has signed a contract agreement to provide technical support by the Bank in the structuring of privatization projects for three thousand kilometers of road sections in Minas Gerais state. 

BNDES will carry out technical studies related to the structuring for the privatization of six lots of the Mineiro de Concessões Rodoviárias Program, which are located in the regions of Triângulo Mineiro, Pouso Alegre, Itajubá, Varginha, São João del-Rei, Itapecerica, Lagoa da Prata, among others. The estimated investments for this structuring can reach around BRL 6.5 billion (US$ 1.17 billion), benefiting more than one hundred municipalities.

Minas Gerais is the state with the largest road network in Brazil. There are 273 thousand kilometers, which correspond to 16% of all roads in the country. However, according to the CNT Highway Survey, carried out in 2019 by the National Transport Confederation, almost one-third of the highways in Minas Gerais present a situation below the regular with regard to paving, signaling and road geometry.

The studies foreseen in the contract signed between the Bank and the State of Minas Gerais may generate concessions for infrastructure projects capable of contributing to the achievement of some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) determined by the United Nations General Assembly. Among them, building more resistant infrastructures, fostering innovation, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, promoting full and productive employment.