The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), through its BNDES ProCopa Arenas program, approved financing in the amount of R$ 400 million for the construction of the São Paulo Arena, in Itaquera, which will receive some 2014 World Cup matches, including the opening match of the tournament.

During the Rio +20 event held in Rio de Janeiro in June, the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) and the Banco do Brasil Foundation (FBB) signed a R$ 25 million contract for efforts aimed at conservation and sustainable use of the Amazon Biome. Of the resources, some R$ 15 million is from the BNDES, specifically from the Amazon Fund, and the remaining R$ 10 million is from the FBB.

The BNDES’ disbursements closed the year 2011 at R$ 139.7 billion. The result was within the Bank’ expectations and allowed the institution to continue contributing to the expansion of investments in the Brazilian economy, with emphasis on the infrastructure sector.

The BNDES’ disbursements totaled R$ 24.9 billion during the first quarter of this year, with a 2% decrease compared to the same period in 2010. Although small, this was the first reduction in disbursements registered since 2006, taking only first quarters into consideration.