The current stage includes the main building of the Shipyard complex and Naval Base of the Brazilian Navy, work that should be concluded in 2021, according to sources of the Presidency of the Republic.

With an investment of nine billion reais (3,5 billion dollars), this facility is part of the development program of submarines, which will allow Brazil to build these ships, thanks to technology transfer agreement signed with France in 2008.

For the general coordinator of this program, Admiral Gilberto Max, this project will enable the country to gain in knowledge, because it has a novel technique, which will expand the capabilities to boost domestic shipbuilding industry.

One of the goals of this initiative is to create the conditions for developing the use of nuclear technology, he said, noting that Brazil currently has five submarines, four of which were built in this territory.

Referring to the shipyard complex and naval base, the admiral said that it will generate 9,000 direct jobs and 32,000 indirect, besides the participation of 600 domestic companies.

The opening of this first stage of the shipyard will be attended by Rousseff, Defense Minister Celso Amorim, the heads of the Navy, Army and Air Force, as well as senior officers of the Armed Forces and several holders of the federal government.(kh)