The American Chamber of Commerce in Rio de Janeiro is commemorating its centennial this year, solidifying its status as the most ancient American Chamber in Latin America. It represents the significance of the economic partnership between the two most influential economies in the Americas. For more than a century, American corporations have acknowledged the significance of Brazil as a trading partner and as a favorable location for investment. Although our economies have seen fluctuations, the commercial partnership has flourished. Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of organizations forming creative collaborations, which has led to the emergence of fresh prospects and a significant boost in commercial activity. We will further enhance our cooperation in the areas of commerce, investment, and innovation. We aim to enhance and broaden our long-lasting bilateral partnership, which is built on a strong and stable foundation.
The volume and variety of trade in both directions are significant
But there is still immense opportunity for further expansion. By aligning standards and streamlining customs procedures, we can enhance and fully realize the potential of our bilateral trade. In 2015, the United States contributed more than $6 billion in direct investment to Brazil, making it one of the leading contributors of such investment. However, there is still potential for further action in this area. We have recently entered into a deal to enhance investment in Brazilian infrastructure by leveraging American technology in a sector that is widely acknowledged to be in need of improvement in Brazil. On the contrary, we are pleased to observe significant Brazilian presence at our yearly SelectUSA Summit, where we deliberate on the optimal prospects for international corporations to invest in the United States. The level of foreign direct investment between our countries is increasing, and we are forward to host the Brazilian delegation at the Summit in June. We are also strategizing to ensure that our business alliances are adequately prepared for the future's problems. We are dedicated to collaborating on various initiatives such as sharing expertise on renewable energy development, streamlining the patent application procedure, and fostering research collaborations between universities. Our goal is to enhance the competitiveness of our companies, organizations, and young individuals in the 21st century. The foresight of the founding members at the inaugural AmCham meeting a century ago to envision the current state of the U.S.-Brazil relationship is difficult to fathom. Our nations have developed into the two most significant economies in the hemisphere and among the greatest globally. We are excited to see the additional achievements we can attain in the forthcoming century of our collaborative efforts.
Foreign direct investment in Brazil experienced a significant increase between 2009 and 2011, but has been gradually declining since then
According to the World Investment Report 2023 issued by UNCTAD, FDI inflows rose to USD 86 billion in 2022, which is a 69.9% increase compared to the previous year's USD 50.6 billion. This is the second-highest value ever recorded and ranks fifth globally. The investments primarily focus on commerce, non-metallic mineral goods, chemical products, financial and auxiliary services, and motor vehicles. According to data from the Central Bank, the overall amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in the first eight months of 2023 was USD 37.9 billion, which represents a 36% decrease compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. The country's appeal to international investors stems from various factors: a sizable domestic market with over 210 million inhabitants, abundant easily exploitable raw materials, a diversified economy that is less susceptible to global crises, and a strategically advantageous geographic location facilitating convenient access to other South American nations. Nevertheless, investing in Brazil continues to carry risks due to variables such as onerous and intricate taxation, bureaucratic delays, and stringent labor legislation. In order to enhance its business climate, Brazil used electronic certificates of origin, which have decreased the amount of time needed for import documentary compliance. This has made the entire process more convenient and straightforward. The country has also granted various infrastructure concessions that have facilitated investment. The incumbent president intends to enhance the business climate in the nation by making reforms, including reducing the time required to establish a corporation in Brazil from 79.5 days to the regional average of 30 days. The relaxation of regulations in certain industries and possible revisions to the tax structure should also provide assistance. Currently, Brazil lacks a comprehensive foreign investment screening mechanism that is focused on national security concerns. The country is ranked 49th out of 132 economies on the Global Innovation Index 2023 and 127th out of 184 on the 2023 Index of Economic Freedom.
The Brazilian Government actively supports and fosters Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
The National Investment Bank (BNDES), a prominent global development bank, promotes foreign investment. The majority of obstacles preventing foreign investors from participating, especially in the stock market, have been eliminated. During the past fifteen years, a significant multitude of public enterprises have undergone the process of privatization, and numerous sectors have experienced deregulation. There are several incentives in place in Brazil to encourage investors. The Inovar-Auto Program is designed to enhance technological advancement and energy efficiency. The Consulta Pública Ex-Tarifário allows companies to promote innovation by temporarily reducing the tax rate on imported capital goods. The Renai initiative offers potential investors information on business prospects in Brazil. In addition, the federal government of Brazil provides investment support through financial assistance and agreements that restrict the occurrence of double taxation. The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) serves as Brazil's official agency for promoting and attracting investments. The Apex-Brasil webpage provides comprehensive information on various aspects of Brazil's tax system, industrial property protection, labor and environmental regulations, loan support, and incentives for foreign investors.
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