Cross-continent rail link mooted

The 4,300km line would pass via Bolivia, where 380km of missing track would need to be built at a cost of $790m.

The 1,800km network in Brazil, which is operated by concessionaire Brasil Ferrovias, already exists, but needs upgrading at an estimated cost of $400m.

The line would carry export soya from the Mato Grosso region bound for markets in Asia. Local producers are interested in investing in the project, as are Chinese business interests.