Remarks by Ambassador Ayalde at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the U.S. Pavilion at the Rio Oil & Gas Expo and Conference 2014

I would like to begin by thanking Joan and her team at Kallman Worldwide for working so hard with the show organizer and our Foreign Commercial Service to make this U.S. Pavilion possible. I am very happy to be at this impressive exhibit and I’m extremely pleased that we are the largest exhibitor at this show. I know this will lead to increased business opportunities for all of you.

I know that currently there is $18 billion of investment from the U.S. in the Brazlian oil/gas sector. This is not only great for our two countries’ businesses but it also is a critical part of the overall bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Brazil.

Once again, I congratulate you on your presence here and I wish great success during your time here.

With that said, let’s officially open the U.S. Pavilion so you can all get down to the business at hand.

Thank you very much!