Importance of increased foreign trade

The need to increase foreign trade is reaching urgent levels in Brazil, as per a recent conference attended by several of the country’s leaders.

Ambassadors Rubens Barbosa and Samuel Pinheiro Guimarães spoke to a number of Brazilian Senators during a public hearing on Foreign Relations and National Defense last month and the two indicated that the best way to increase Brazil’s economic potential while improving relations with other nations is by opening up additional trade routes and building new relationships with other countries.

Barbosa and Pinheiro pointed to a number of factors that impacted the current landscape of Brazil’s foreign trade. Barbosa pointed to the fact that foreign trade has quadrupled in Brazil between 2002 and 2012, but indicated that the numbers are slightly skewed and don’t represent what’s happening in the country—domestic consumption is still the driving force behind economic growth, which is a factor that cannot sustain itself going forward.

This news comes in conjunction with last week’s report that Brazil is seeking foreign investors to help upgrade its infrastructure. Currently, Brazil is in need of foreign partnerships, which means this could be a strong opportunity for U.S. businesses. Companies looking to trade with or invest in Brazilian organizations have a good chance to initiate a partnership now while the need is high. However, doing so will require a strong understanding of all laws pertaining to such business practices.

Lawyers in Brazil can offer guidance to any business interested in taking the country up on its various offers.

Agriculture Growth

The value of Brazilian land is increasing at a rapid rate, making the country’s landowners some of the smartest investors of the past few years.

While the global economic landscape has been anything but smooth since the crisis of 2008, land values have increased by leaps and bounds during that time. In the past four years, land has been one of the most fruitful investments in the country, outperforming gold and the stock market. In fact, dating back to 2003, the value of the average hectare—roughly two-and-a- half acres—has more than tripled.

While the entire country is benefiting from this trend, there are areas that have seen stronger increases in land value than others. For example, the North and Northeast regions of Brazil have seen an enormous growth in land value. But regardless of the location, much of this trend can be attributed to one thing—the growth in business pertaining to agriculture, or agribusiness. Many of Brazil’s crops are becoming increasingly desirable exports, which has helped improve the value of the land they are grown on.

This is interesting information for businesses around the world and is definitely something investors should be cognizant of. Working with agricultural companies in Brazil could prove to be a smart business decision, but only if proper precautions are made ahead of time. Working with lawyers in Brazil will help businesses understand the rules and regulations pertaining to agriculture, land investments, and imports and exports of related products.

Brazil seeks foreign investments

Brazil is in the process of reaching out to foreign companies in hopes of attracting infrastructure investments and trade opportunities.

Last month, Tatiana Prazeres, the Secretary of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Industry and Foreign Trade Development, spoke at the seventh edition of the UK-Brazil Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), in São Paulo, discussing the vision of her home country. Brazil is looking to open up trading with countries in the European Union and hopes to attract investors to help privatize airports, ports, highways and railroads.

“The government was [recently] in London precisely to promote the portfolio of investment opportunities in Brazil, in the infrastructure sector,” Prazeres said. “This morning it was discussed in more detail, and a number of other visits that they will make here in Brazil is focused on permitting a greater awareness, in more detail, of the projects for which we seek to attract investment.”

It’s probable that this need stems from two upcoming events—the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics—which will both be held within the Brazilian borders. The country likely wants to make significant upgrades to its infrastructure before it hosts these two massive global events, which means private companies around the world have a great opportunity to increase their presence in Brazil. If the country opens up trading with other nations, businesses will have even more opportunities.

Of course, the legality of these matters will have to be considered. In order to obtain the greatest value from such investments, businesses should work with lawyers in Brazil who can explain all laws pertaining to such dealings.

‘.Amazon’ Extension

The Amazon Rainforest is an important piece of the earth, not only to the countries in which it resides but to the entire planet. While countries like Brazil, Peru and Colombia certainly care about its condition, even areas that don’t possess part of it inside their borders are passionate about preserving the rainforest and its inhabitants.

Organizations that want to use the internet to fuel their conservation efforts may soon find it easier to do so if a request filed by the Peruvian and Brazilian governments is fulfilled.

The two countries have asked the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to grant the registration of the online extension “.Amazon.” This would give organizations an area online to create websites with the sole purpose of launching international “save the rainforest” campaigns and spreading awareness about the area in general.

A statement sent to ICANN explained the importance of the region and detailed why granting this request would be in the best interests of all parties.

“The Amazon region is a very important territory in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela, for its extensive biodiversity and incalculable natural resources,” the statement said. “Granting the right to use that name to a private company would avoid that it be used to promote, protect and take care of the problems related to this territory.”

If this request is fulfilled, there may be numerous regulations pertaining to the use of the “.Amazon” extension that foreign businesses should be cognizant of. Lawyers in Brazil will be able to provide the knowledge needed for organizations to go forward with their online initiatives without running the risk of violating any laws.

Brazilian judges rule in favor of upholding the legal process

While emotions have certainly flared following the Mensalão scandal that rocked Brazil to its core eight years ago, it appears that justice and the country’s commitment to democracy and a fair trial will ultimately win out.

In 2005, it was revealed that several individuals working under then-Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had allegedly used public money to pay Congressional deputies a monthly stipend to receive votes that best suited their political interests. Shockwaves were sent throughout the country at the time and many are still being felt today, eight years later.

The Supreme Court ruled last year that a number of parties were guilty, which set off a round of appeals. Due to the level of disturbance the entire incident has caused the Brazilian public, it was suggested that the Supreme Court ignore these appeals and make no consideration of amending its decision. That will not be the case.

Judges recently confirmed that the Supreme Court is in fact entitled to revise its decisions should it encounter new evidence that could modify its previous thoughts on the case.

José Henrique Rodrigues Torres, the president of the executive council of the Association of Judges for Democracy (AJD) gave a statement where he praised the decision to let these appeals be heard and processed.

“We did not have a judgment within all democratic parameters and directed by a democratically constituted judiciary power,” he said. “It is an appeal within a democratic legal process. The issues will be reexamined by the committee and there are new members. Can the decision be maintained? It can. But the decision can also be revised and modified. This is part of a democratic legal process. It is not a setback or progress, it’s not about that. What is important is that the democratic system is maintained. ”

This should offer encouragement to business owners considering working within the Brazilian borders. The process remains the same for all individuals, which means justice is always in the legal system’s best interest. Companies considering a move to Brazil should, however, contact a legal advisor to ensure they understand the laws they are being protected by when working in the country.

Lawyers in Brazil can offer sound advice pertaining to the legality of starting up a business in the country. This will help owners ensure their operation is legitimate and that it is put in the best position to succeed on an international level.