Sex-change operations can now be made for free in Brazil, courtesy of the Brazilian federal government SUS (Unified Health System). The decision that these operations should be done for free was taken a year ago by a Federal judge. The government never appealed the decision despite protests by religious groups.

Starting in November American Airlines will add three destinations in Brazil to its route network further growing its presence in South America's largest country in an effort to consolidate its leadership position in flights from the United States to Latin America.

The standards-setting authority for all prescription and over-the-counter medicines made or sold in the United States, the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) Convention has just opened its newest international site located in São Paulo, in southeastern Brazil.

Brazil Moves, a month long celebration of Brazilian life, arts, food and culture is about to start in the US capital.  From August 22 to September 27, 2008, Washingtonians will be able to enjoy and experience the rich diversity of life in Brazil from classical music, to the vibrant and energetic dancing of Capoeira to savoring the tastes of many national delicacies at events around the Washington, DC, region.

Brazilian leading airline TAM has just received from the manufacturing plant in Seattle, USA, the first of eight 777-300ER aircraft acquired from Boeing. The airplane will be used in the company's daily flights between São Paulo and Frankfurt, Germany and São Paulo and London. Initially, however, the 777 will fly the São Paulo-Santiago (Chile) route.

Brazil, Mexico and Chile are among the countries which could be visited by United States presidential candidate Barack Obama before the November election, following on recommendations for a Latinamerican tour from his political advisors.

Brazilian ambassador Roberto Carvalho de Azevedo, the leading negotiator for Brazil in Geneva, stated that the Doha Round has not reached an end yet, and that the country aims to keep on "pursuing this window of opportunities," which may open up in September. Furthermore, he claimed, the success of negotiations will depend on political commitment.

Brazilians purchased 31.7 billion Brazilian reais (US$ 19.6 billion) in credit cards in July. The number of transactions reached 508 million, a figure that had only been registered previously in December last year. The figures were supplied by the Brazilian Association of Credit Card Companies and Services (ABECS).

Brazilian oil company Petrobras is going to turn 500 million Brazilian reais (US$ 309 million) to environmental projects between 2008 and 2012. The funds should be used for sponsorship, strengthening environmental organizations and spreading information about sustainable development.

Brazil's BNDES (Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social - National Bank for Economic and Social Development) posted net profit of 4.1 billion Brazilian reais (US$ 2.5 billion) in the first half of 2008. It was the second highest profit for a six-month period in the history of the bank.

Yahoo! Brazil is introducing a new version of their homepage together with a brand campaign that will look to establish Yahoo! Brazil as an unpredictable, exciting, and unexpected type of company.

At the LABACE aviation tradeshow in São Paulo, a city in southeastern Brazil, Brazilian Sierra Aeronáutica announced a joint venture with US-based Texas Aviation Services (TAS), a company specialized in helicopter and aircraft services. The partnership will guarantee support for Brazilian helicopter clients.

The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer signed a contract to provide the Chilean Air Force (FACH) with 12 Super Tucanos for tactical training missions. The first should be delivered in the second half of 2009.

In Brazil, revenues by the food industry grew 1.86% in June, compared with the previous month. In a comparison with June 2007, the growth rate was 17.59%. In the accumulated result for the year, the increase was 20.87%, and in the last 12-month period, of 16.24%. The figures were presented by the Brazilian Food Processors Association (Abia).

According to Celso Grisi, director at the Foundation Institute for Administration (FIA), Brazil has a plurisectorial industry, which is great. Grisi believes that the country should focus on its exports even more. There is room for that.  "But we are still a commodity-based country. Whenever I think of commodities, I think of the value we could add if we exported the end product."