Since we have been mostly based between Argentina and Brazil, I’ve had a chance to get a real hands on sensing of the “Zeitgeist” of these countries and their economic potential. Brazil feels like the United States in 1982. The market is quickly expanding in every way imaginable and on a development model very similiar to the United States. It is also very big (200 million people with a 2 trillion dollar economy).The Brazilian capital markets and banking system are well development and Sao Paulo is an economic powerhouse. There is also a “wild, wild west” feeling about the consumer market potential. The nation has a strong sense of identity and a relatively homogenous culture, which is good news for smooth expansion. Folks have similiarcultural and consumer “sensibilities” in my estimation. It will be the 10th largest economy in ten years. The Brazilian dilemna revolves around the public security crisis and stamping out corruption. It will happen in time. The forces of reform are too strong and the stability of the Lula administration (after Cardoso’s stable government) have put the momentum on the side of legitimacy. I am a believer in the future of Brazil and I think the big economic stakeholders will prosper over the next decades. This is a growth country! There will be a lot of “millionaires next door” popping up as a result of successful small businesses. Brazilians are patriotic, creative and innovative people. They are also, yes, very hard working and just know how to have fun.
Not Exactly Like the USA in 1982
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