A Luncheon Briefing featuring Janice A. Corbett Deputy Senior Commercial Officer Brazil Rick de Lambert Commercial Officer Chile Mitch Larsen Senior Commercial Officer Guatemala/Honduras
Wednesday, May 5, 2004 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Plimsoll Club, 30th Floor, WTC (Free validated parking  in the WTC Garage)

Brazil

• Brazil is the 15th largest economy in the world with a GDP of $457 billion. Brazil possesses large and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service sectors and its economy outweighs that of all other South American countries. Brazil is a substantial market opportunity for U.S. exporters.
   
• The U.S. and Brazil are committed to complete the FTAA by 2005. This will ensure prosperity, democracy and free markets for goods and services across the Americas.
   
• In 2003 U.S. exports to Brazil exceeded US$ 12 billion, making it one of Brazil’s largest trading partner.
   
• The Lula Administration has made great strides in economic policy and constitutional reform. Brazil’s economy is expected to grow 3.5 percent in 2004, up from a zero percent growth in 2003.
   
• Best Prospects in 2004 for U.S. Exports include: Computer Hardware, Electronics and Peripherals; Computer Software; Internet and E-Commerce Services; Oil and Gas Machinery and Services; Airport Equipment; Franchising; Safety and Security Systems; Telecommunications Equipment; Print and Graphic Arts Equipment; Iron and Steel; Pollution Control Equipment and Services; Mining Equipment; Automotive Aftermarket; Electrical Power Systems; and Medical Equipment and Devices.

Chile

• The U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) took effect in January, eliminating duties on more than 85% of bilateral trade in consumer and industrial products. Most remaining tariffs will be phased out over the next four years. U.S. exporters, including service providers, benefit further from the agreement’s provisions on non-discriminatory treatment, stronger enforcement of intellectual property laws and transparency in public procurement.
   
• The U.S. is already Chile's largest trading partner. In 2003, U.S.-Chile trade in merchandise goods topped $6.4 billion. Experts predict trade between the two countries could double by 2010.
   
• Chile, with an investment grade economy, is one of the most open and dynamic markets in Latin America. Boosted by rising consumer confidence, integration with foreign markets through trade agreements, and higher prices for its chief exports such as copper and wood, Chile's economy is predicted to grow 4.5% in 2004.
   
• U.S. products are Chile's market leaders in IT, telecommunications and medical equipment. Chile also offers a potentially lucrative market for suppliers of equipment and know-how for Chile's rapidly growing mining, forestry, fishing, and food processing sectors. The FTA offers enhanced access to providers seeking to tap into Chile's growing market for services. Drawing on its reputation for economic stability and low corruption, Chile is positioning itself as a regional hub for multinational companies.

Central America

• The U.S. has negotiated a Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. A Congressional vote could occur in mid-2004 or after the U.S. Presidential election in November.
   
• In 2003, U.S. exports to the CAFTA countries totaled $10.9 billion, breaking the $10 billion mark for the first time and making Central America the third largest market in Latin America for U.S. goods and services, behind only Mexico and Brazil. U.S. exports to the region in 2003 were up 11.4% (over 2002) and are growing at more than twice the rate of imports from Central America.
   
• Imports from the U.S. are diverse and have steadily increased in market share and dollar value over the past 10 years. U.S. firms now enjoy close to a 50% market share in Central America.
   
• The Central American market is steady and reliable. Remittances from relatives in the U.S. and the close proximity of Central America to the U.S. guarantee continued market strength. CAFTA will enable the legal protections, market harmonization, and access which companies’ demand.

In Cooperation With

 

Ark-La-Tex Regional Export & Technology Center

Baton Rouge Center for World Affairs

Consular Corps of New Orleans

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana

International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans

International Trade Council/Red River Region

Louisiana District Export Council

Louisiana International Trade Center/SBDC

Louisiana Tax Free Shopping

Louisiana Technology Council

Propeller Club, Port of New Orleans

World Affairs Council of New Orleans

World Trade Club of Greater New Orleans

Cost: $45 for members of the sponsoring organizations and companies.  $55 for non-members.

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