Brazil listed among the top ten investment destinations in the world

Jan. 21, 2011 - PRLog -- In 2010, the international flow of foreign direct investment in Brazil totaled 1.122 trillion, according to a survey released on January 17 by UNCTAD (UN Conference on Trade and Development). While Investment inflow in developed countries fell by 7%, in the emerging economies the growth was more than 9%. Brazil was the main destination of resources in Latin America, for the fourth consecutive year, with a flow of 30.2 billion dollars, an increase of 16.3% compared with 2009. "Just Investe São Paulo alone (the Sao Paulo Agency for Investment Promotion and Competitiveness) attracted in 2010 for that state five (5) major companies who will invest R $ 1.7 billion to build their factories, and will employ more than 9,400 workers"  said Jefferson Michaelis.

Brazil has registered a growth rate of international investment more than in Beijing and for the first time, is among the top ten investment destinations in the world. Brazil has already passed Japan and Italy.

A curious fact that I have to point out is the United States, who still the absolute leader. In 2010, we received $ 186.1 billion, 43% more investments compared to 2009. Still, the U.S. economy ended 2010 with the volume of inward investment 50% less than what it used to receive between 2005-2007, noted Jefferson Michaelis.

Michaelis says that this huge interest in Brazil can be confirmed by the massive number of companies contacting the chamber of commerce seeking not only to export products, or open their branches in Brazil, but many now believe that this is an excellent time to buy local companies (Brazilian owned) already established with local knowledge in certain niche markets. Most interesting fact about this "trend" is the fact that in 2009, foreigners have sold the equivalent of about $ 1.4 billion of local businesses. In 2010, multinationals spent  in Brazil about $ 9.4 billion.  The sectors with the greatest turnover were oil and gas, mining, food and beverages.

Another important factor also to be considered is the constant search of natural resources by foreign companies in Brazil. One concrete example is Athena Holdings, LLC, an investment firm based in New York that since 2006 visualized a huge potential in Brazil, and today invests with confidence in projects ranging from renewable energy, mining to the construction of an iron ore port terminal.

Latest, not only the European and American companies are seeking to gain space in Brazil, but the arrival of Chinese, Korean and now the Russian companies has been a constant event in this vibrant economy.

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The Brazil-Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, BTCC, is a not-for-profit organization. BTCC has emerged as one of the most dynamic bilateral business catalysts in the nation in recent years.