The Portuguese infrastructure giant Mota-Engil, which recently won the auction for the Santos-Guarujá tunnel, is nearing a billion-dollar deal with the Brazilian federal government. This agreement could grant Mota-Engil the concession for about 500 kilometers of the Fiol (East-West Integration Railway) under construction in Bahia, the new Porto Sul, set to be built in Ilhéus, and a mining project in Caetité. These projects were previously rejected by Vale, indicating a significant shift in the region's infrastructure management.

Details from the negotiations emerged following a meeting held at the end of January between Mota-Engil executives and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Palácio do Planalto. The Brazilian government, particularly civil minister Rui Costa from Bahia, has expressed strong interest in finalizing this deal, emphasizing the strategic importance of these projects for regional development. The meeting was not on the public agenda and included discussions with key political figures, such as the government leader in the Senate Jaques Wagner and Transport Minister Renan Filho.

This potential agreement exemplifies Brazil's focus on enhancing its infrastructure and reflects the government's inclination to partner with international firms to revitalize local economies. Given the strategic locations of the railway, port, and mine, Mota-Engil's involvement could attract further investment and transform Bahia's economic landscape, especially as they take over projects that were set aside by Vale, a major player in the sector.