Eike Batista in action: from tablets to boxing rings.

Rio 247 - EBX Group businessman Eike Batista is going from technology to boxing. In a meeting this Friday (21) with President Dilma Rousseff at the Planalto Palace, he will act as an intermediary between the interests of Brazil and Foxconn, the manufacturer of Apple products such as iPhone and iPad, which will manufacture the tablet in the country. One of the government's requirements for Foxconn to invest in Brazil is that the company has a partner in the country and Eike could be that name. Luciano Coutinho, president of BNDES, is also participating in the conversation.

Eike Batista has already stated his interest in the negotiation and wants to bring the Foxconn factory to Rio de Janeiro. He said he wants the iPad factory in the state, even though negotiations are more advanced in São Paulo. "I never give up. It needs to be done in Brazil so that we can buy things at lower prices," he stated in a recent interview.

President Dilma Rousseff has already approved the granting of tax incentives for tablets manufactured in Brazil. The incentives were proposed by the government in a provisional measure approved by Congress.

The government predicts that, with the tax reduction, tablets could cost up to 36% less compared to similar imported models. The reduction only applies to devices manufactured in Brazil, with a certain percentage of locally sourced components.

Eike Batista's multi-million dollar business dealings also involve sports. He recently bought Brasil 1, a marketing company responsible for bringing the UFC tournament back to the country in August 2012. The UFC is an American organization encompassing various martial arts disciplines that has become a worldwide success. The main Brazilian fighter in the UFC is Anderson Silva, world champion in the middleweight category.