Tag Archives: brazil

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

Think the people of the United States lead the world in hatred of Immigrants? Nope, try moving to tiny Belgium!

In a survey done by Ipsos Mora y Araujo, citizens of 24 countries were asked how they viewed immigrants.  The United States did not lead the way with immigrant haters, still more than half of U.S. citizens hate immigrants.

The Ipsos survey asked various questions regarding immigrants, but basically most European and American residents don’t like immigrants, which is ironic considering that most European and American countries are made up of immigrants.

The country that leads the way in hatred of immigrants is Belgium, with 72% of respondents saying immigrants are bad for their country.  Argentina, United Kingdom and United States are on the same wavelength, with about 61% of their citizens hating immigrants.

50% of Australians and 41% of Canadians say immigrants make it harder to find a job.  One Canadian respondent explained their view of immigration as ‘yes, you can move here, but just not where I live’.

So where to move, now that it’s becoming clear that the United States isn’t a place where you can achieve your dreams?

47% of Brazilians say immigrants are good for their economy, and 49% say immigrants make Brazil an interesting place to live.  Could explain Brazil’s exploding population numbers.  Brazil now has the 5th largest population in the world.  Officially 192 million people live in Brazil, that’s almost equal to all the other South American country’s populations combined!

International, U.S.

World War 3: BRICS working to stop the United States from attacking Syria

“We cannot remain indifferent to the way Resolutions Number 1970 and 1973 of the UN Security Council are being fulfilled. The attaining of the main goal, proclaimed by the UN Security Council, should be started, which is the protection of the civilian population.”-Antonio Patriota, Brazilian Foreign Minister

September 4, the countries with the most powerful economies in the world, known as BRICS, announced they will work against any efforts by the United States and Europe, to launch military attacks on Syria.

BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is in Brazil and just made a joint announcement, along with Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota, saying the BRICS will not allow another “Libya” to happen in Syria.

Lavrov said it’s obvious the NATO mission in Libya is a failure: “Unfortunately, what is happening in Libya cannot satisfy us. The main objective as mandated by the UN Security Council is to defend the civilian population but they are dying in large numbers.”

International

End near in Libya? Gaddaffi Sons captured, emabassy in Brazil lowers Libyan flag

Libyan western supported rebels claim they’ve captured two of Muammar Muhammad al-Gaddafi’s sons.  This after days of ground fighting in Tripoli.

There were also rumors that Tunisia offered Gaddafi asylum.  Gaddafi says he will stay in Tripoli “until the end.”

In Brazil, the Libyan embassy lowered the Libyan flag, and raised the flag of the Libyan rebels.

Business/Economics, International

What Economic Recovery? German drug giant Bayer may leave Germany, find new home in China

German drug and chemical giant, Bayer, says high utility cost in Germany could force it to move all its German operations to a new location outside of Europe.

The most likely new home for Bayer, China.

Bayer blames the German government, and in a round about way the German people, for their decision to end the use of nuclear power plants in Germany.

Bayer claims the electricity cost would skyrocket, making it almost impossible for them to do business in Germany : “It is important that we remain competitive in comparison with other countries. Otherwise, a global business such as Bayer would have to consider relocating its production to countries with lower energy costs.”-Marijn Dekkers, CEO

Dekkers hinted that China could be Bayer’s new home, because they’ve already invested big time into their China operations.  They’re also looking at Brazil and India.

It’s not like Bayer is losing money in this bad economy.  They reported a net profit of $1.1 billion for the second quarter of this year!

 

 

Business/Economics, International

No Economic Recovery for U.S.: Brazil lowest unemployment rate since 2002

Brazil’s unemployment rate in June hit a low of 6.2%.  Compare that to June of 2002 when Brazil’s unemployment rate was 11.6%.

Officials credit the drop in unemployment to new job creation.  Last year alone half a million (512,000) new jobs were created in Brazil.  Also, the average wage went up 4% since last year.

Take into account that Brazil counts employment only in the six largest cities, officials admit there are still at least 1.5 million Brazilians out of work.

 

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

No Economic Recovery for the U.S.: Nissan says U.S. no longer target car market, the money is in South America, China, India & Russia

Nissan/Renault announced they plan to expand their global market share by 8% (an increase of about 10 million cars by 2017).  How are they going to do that? Definitely not by selling more cars in the United States.

Nissan/Renault says it will expand sales in China, India and Brazil.  They will boost production in China and India, and build a new factory in Brazil, that will produce 200,000 cars per year.

They will also buy more than 50% stake in Russian car maker Avtovaz.

 

Business/Economics, International

Parts supply problem forces Honda to lay off 400 employees

Honda announced they will have to lay off 400 workers at their factory in Brazil. The problem is lack of parts.

Originally Honda was going to reduce production, at their Brazil plant, for 12 days.  Now it’s cutting production for a full month, and reducing payroll by 12%.

The ongoing parts supply problem was caused by the March 11 disasters in Japan, which revealed the weak link in the “just in time” supply policy for Japan’s (and even the world’s) industries.

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

Kraft moving chocolate production to Brazil?

The U.S. doesn’t need to lose anymore jobs, but Kraft just announced they will build a new plant in Brazil.

“Brazil is one of 10 priority developing markets where we’re making big bets. Today, we’re among the fastest growing consumer goods companies in markets like Brazil, India and China. We’re excited to build on what’s working by making our biggest investment in Brazil in more than 10 years!”-Sanjay Khosla, Kraft Foods

Kraft will build an $80 million chocolate factory in Pernambuco, Brazil.  They hope to have it up and running by 2012.

Business/Economics, International

WalMart business down in U.S., but booming down south of the border

“Our expansion plan will continue to support the socioeconomic development of the Brazilian population. The focus in formats aimed at the emerging middle class will be even stronger in 2011.”-Marcos Samaha, president of WalMart Brazil

Recently WalMart officials expressed their concerns for the poor U.S. retail market.  They blame inflation and lack of jobs.  But, WalMart is spending big money in Brazil, ’cause the economy is boomin’ there.

Brazil is one of the money making members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africa).

WalMart is going to open 80 new stores in Brazil, and spend R$ 1.2 billion in the next year (R$ = Real, the Brazilian money).   In the past five years, WalMart has already invested R$ 6 billion, constructing 177 stores and creating 25,000 jobs in Brazil.

Business/Economics, International

Iran and Brazil closer together, Iranian trade center to open in Brasilia

Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota announced his country’s new President, Dilma Rousseff, will continue the policies of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in regards to Iran: “Rousseff will stay on the path of her predecessor and mentor Lula da Silva.”

Now Iran will open a trade center in Brazil.  The move is meant to increase trade between the two countries.  According to a 2009 IMF report, Brazil is Iran’s largest trade partner in South America.  Iran also has trade deals with Venezuela, Ecuador, and Cuba.