On March 14, the Council and Amcham-Brasil co-hosted a discussion with presidential candidate Ciro Gomes as part of the Presidential Campaign Series. These series seek to learn more about the candidates’ proposals and vision for the future of Brazil.

Gomes, vice-president of the Brazilian Democratic Labor Party (PDT) and pre-candidate at the 2018 Presidential Elections, mentioned that a fiscal reform is essential to increase the competitiveness of the country’s economy. Gomes also shared his opinion on the need for Brazil to strengthen its relationship with the United States through preferential partnerships, transfer of technology, and through favorable financing mechanisms.

Following Gomes’ presentation, Cassia Carvalho, Executive Director of the Brazil Council, and Deborah Vieitas, CEO of Amcham-Brasil moderated an interview in which they asked more specific questions about the candidate’s position on topics such as Brazil’s participation in the international economy.

*Please note that the Brazil-U.S. Business Council and Amcham-Brasil do not endorse any candidates running for political posts in Brazil. All announced presidential candidates will be considered to participate in the Presidential Campaign Series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. support for Brazil’s bid to become a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) would be beneficial for both countries, indicated Brazil-U.S. Business Council Executive Director Cassia Carvalho in an op-ed piece published Friday by political news site The Hill. Carvalho wrote, “Brazil would benefit immensely from the support of the United States for its accession…a move that would shape the country’s economic reform agenda and set Brazil’s future on a clear path toward a market-oriented economy and private sector-led development.” Brazil formally applied for OECD membership earlier this year. The application is now under review by the organization. Brazil would benefit from membership through compliance with high international standards for business practices, transparency and economic policy. Brazil is the world’s ninth largest economy. The U.S., in turn, is a major investor in Brazil, with cumulative investments of $64 billion in 2016, and would benefit from modernizing reforms in Brazil made necessary by OECD membership. These cover a wide range, including trade, taxation, investment, rule of law and intellectual property protection. Carvalho wrote, “This is an opportunity that cannot be passed by.” She added, “U.S. support would strengthen the hand of (Brazilian) reformers and benefit U.S. companies that view Brazil as an increasingly important market.”

Link to The Hill website.