Brazil: ABDER Visit: Thank you to Colleagues

From:

Nevares, Henry

Sent:

Friday, March 24, 2006 6:07 PM

To:

Allen, Bernestine; DeCarme, David; Traini, Joseph; Kussy, Edward; Saunders, Michael; Gee, King; Stewart, Maxine; Geiger, David R.; Friedland, Ian; Soneira, Martha; Riggins, Linda; Speaks, Daphne; Gray, Dale; Meredith, Robert; Ruffin, Brenda; Bouza, George; Lord, Byron; Budras, Joseph; Brent, Deborah; Toole, Joe; Dean, Roger; Gatchalian, Celso; STEVE KERN (E-mail); Ahmed, Aysha; Chidester, Chip; Hecox, Doug; Wilbur, Toni; McCracken, John; Inman, Max; Shane, Jeff; Peterson, Eric; Pindiprolu, Venkat; Barnaby, Rick; Bergeron, Kathleen; Martin, Clark; Sorenson, James

Cc:

Capka, Rick; Nottingham, Chip; Avery, Michael; Kern, Stephen;

Subject:

Brazil: ABDER Visit: Thank you to Colleagues

Dear all:

As you know from previous correspondence, the delegation of Brazilian transportation officials was in Washington DC from 13 to 17 March, and had numerous meetings with representatives of USDOT, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA, AASHTO, VDOT, the World Bank and ARTBA. The Brazilians' primary objectives were to learn more about the USA transportation system that could be applied in Brazil, and to build relations with US transportation organizations. The US organizations' objectives were to share our experiences and build long lasting, mutually beneficial relations.

I am pleased to say that the meetings were an unqualified success.

Some of the comments from the Brazilians were:

• "very well structured agenda with skilled presenters"
• "this was exactly what we wanted"
• "very well organized and carried out"
• "appreciate the commitment made by senior officials to participate in the meetings and discussions"
• "there are at least 7 or 8 specific areas of collaboration that we would like to pursue with our counterparts in the USA"
• "we see the value of collaborating with the USA since we share so many similarities"

Thanks to each and every one of you who contributed your time and talents. It was a great team effort, and each of you played an important role in its success.

Thank you for your support of this very important international activity and we look forward to working with you on future initiatives.

Henry Nevares
Director, Office of International Programs
Federal Highway Administration