Despite the political turmoil, the Zika virus, junk bond rating of its sovereign debt and its deepest recession in a century, Brazil still stands as one of the world’s largest economies – and one of the most important trading partners for Ireland in South America.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

Work got under way yesterday on a massive project designed to bring hundreds of jobs to one of the country’s employment black spots.

Paidi O’Brien won yesterday’s opening stage of the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan after an absolutely bruising day that saw many riders lose over 10 minutes.

SIPTU says a jobs announcement in Co. Monaghan yesterday could be positive news for workers affected by the closure of the Bose plant in Carrickmacross.

Up to 200 jobs are to be created as part of a €40m expansion of Co Monaghan forklift manufacturer Combilift.

200 new jobs have been announced in Monaghan at Combilift, a forklift and heavy load carrier.

ESB International has struck a €30m deal to jointly operate and maintain a power station in Turkey.

Monaghan: Combilift has won contracts valued at €600,000 to supply four of its unique forklift trucks to Brazilian steel giant Gerdau.

A company that manufactures forklifts and other heavy loading equipment has announced plans to shed 30 jobs in Co Monaghan.

A €10 million company headquarters that will create 100 jobs was opened yesterday by Trade Minister Micheál Martin.

An Irish company that manufactures forklifts has announced plans to create 100 new jobs at its factory in Monaghan town.

THE Enterprise Strategy Group draws on expertise from across the Irish business landscape, with high-fliers from industry and trade unions as well as academics, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.

An awards scheme for exporting in small to medium enterprises has been launched in Dublin.