But the competitive transportation advantage declined with the construction of better roads around the country, and then with the onset of the silicon-based economy.

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It certainly has not flowed into such basic infrastructure as roads, bridges and ports that are needed to keep key industries competitive.

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In August Rousseff announced plans for competitive auctions in which private contractors can bid for projects, such as the right to operate 7, 500km of roads and 10, 000km of railways.

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