Vinicius Lummertz, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Government of the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Jerson Kelman of Light and BR Investimentos says ethanol-powered vehicles are one reason that 40 percent of Brazil's energy sources come from renewable. "And these cars are not manufactured by Brazilian car companies. They are manufactured by Ford," he says.
For decades Brazil was dubbed a sleeping giant — but today that giant has roared to life. Buoyed by a new middle class and global demand for its treasure trove of commodities, it's on track for annual growth of 5 percent in the years to come. Having demonstrated its resilience during the global recession, Latin America's largest economy is increasingly a magnet for foreign investment. But many caveats remain, including an antiquated infrastructure, a problematic legal system and stubbornly high poverty and violent crime rates. Moreover, despite government efforts to protect parts of the Amazon rain forest and halt deforestation, more needs to be done. Is Brazil finally ready to emerge as a true global powerhouse? Is it the best choice for BRIC investing? How sustainable is its export-led growth model? What should investors watch for in the upcoming presidential election?
Global Conference 2013
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, philanthropist Bill Gates and Strive Masiyiwa of Econet Wireless discuss advancing prosperity in Africa.
