Pummeled by the worst recession in years, Brazil’s government is dismantling protectionist business policies that have warded off international developers when it most needs fresh capital. The Brazilian Transport and Energy ministries are modifying tender rules that upend the traditional business practice of giving the lead role on infrastructure bid teams only to Brazilian firms. Now international developers will be allowed by law to head consortiums bidding for highway projects.

The government has plans to privatize 15 federal roads this year and next.