Brazil hopes 2016 Olympics will boost industry

Rio de Janeiro, July 19 (IANS) Brazil is hoping that the 2016 Olympics to be hosted here will help boost the nation's industrial output through purchases from local suppliers.

"We have a plan to nationalise the Olympic Games. I am talking about the purchase of equipment, machinery, and services from national suppliers, of valuing our knowledge and culture, of constructing sports equipment throughout the country," sports minister Aldo Rebelo was quoted as saying by Xinhua Wednesday.

Rebelo said both the 2016 Olympics and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which will see 14 Brazilian cities host matches, provide great opportunities to the investment in science, technology, and engineering.

However, he did not give further details.

"Brazil has already generated a lot of jobs with the 2014 cup," said Rebelo, adding, "the GDP will grow because of the World Cup and the 2016 Olympics."

Rebelo also hoped that the Brazilian athletes do well at the London Olympics beginning next week.