Brazil has set aside 133bn real (US$ 66.5bn) to build infrastructure projects as part of the country’s plans to turn around the economy and attract foreign direct investments.

The stimulus package unveiled last week is designed to boost the stalling economy, which has slowed down to 2% this year from 7.5% in 2010.

The money allocated will be used for building 10,000km of new railway track and 7,500km of road improvements over the next 25 years. But out of the $66bn, more than half of the money is likely to be used in the next five years.

The stimulus package by the current government follows recent cuts to interest rates and taxes on certain goods.

The President said there were also plans to investment in ports, airports and waterways in the near future. Under the program, roads will be widened and new railroads will be built connecting different cities across the nation.