The Miraculous Economic Transformation of Brazil
cotton, cocoa, tobacco, and forest products. It also ranks as a leader in foreign sales of beef, chicken meat and tobacco.
79% of Brazilian food production is consumed domestically and 21% is shipped to over
212 foreign markets.
The world’s largest agricultural firms all have operations in Brazil.
Brazil Becomes An Ethanol Superpower
In the 70’s, Brazil introduced the Alcohol Program The 100-percent-ethanol-powered engines was crucial for the development of the domestic ethanol market, the world’s largest for decades. Today, one-fifth of the Brazilian fleet runs purely on ethanol, and Brazil is the sole frontrunner in the races for oil-independence and the green alternative to oil. The country is now the world’s second largest producer, and largest exporter of ethanol and also a world reference in developing renewable energy sources.
Ethanol has 90 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline — partly because cane absorbs the carbon dioxide while it grows in the fields
The demand for ethanol in Brazil is set to increase by 37%: 27 billion liters in 2008 and 37 billion liters in 2015
Brazil is a pioneer in the development of “flex fuel” technology, launched in 2003, which allows cars to run on gas and ethanol in any proportion. Brazilian excellence in the production of ethanol has made large companies comfortable in developing technology that uses biofuel. Currently, ten multinational carmakers produce more than 100 different models of flex fuel cars in Brazil, which has given the country the distinction of having the largest fleet of flex fuel cars in the world.
The Third Largest Biodiesel Market in the World
Brazil is also the third largest producer and consumer of biodiesel in the world. The National Program for the Production and Use of Biodiesel (PNPB), established in 2004, provides for a mandatory and gradual addition of alternative fuels to diesel. The dynamism of this market in Brazil allowed the initial substitution of 2%, in force since January 2008, which was later increased to 3% in July, requiring the production of 1.1 billion liters. The law stipulates a 5% mixture by 2013, which will stimulate new investments in production and an increase in productivity.
Brazil Becomes An Oil Superpower
They say “God is a Brazilian.” Brazil’s long awaited divine intervention just happened last year with major oil discovered located in sedimentary basins, around 6,000 meters beneath the surface of the ocean.
Brazil will now be among the biggest producers of oil and gas in the world.
The country is at the technological vanguard of deep water production and exploration of petroleum and natural gas reserves.
Petrobras will invest US$ 174.4 billion in the next four years, in the exploration of petroleum and natural gas and the construction of new refineries, among other projects.
This will be a huge boon to Brazil. Oil is one of the most valuable resources the world has to offer, and combined with all the other resources possessed by Brazil, the country is well positioned to become one of the world’s next superpowers.
Lula, The Man Behind Brazil’s Miraculous Transformation.
“His charisma and his ability to mobilize the poor have been remarkable,” said Kenneth Maxwell, director of the Brazil Studies Program at the Centre for Latin American Studies at Harvard University.
“That’s my man right here,” President Obama said at the G-20 summit as Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva approached him. “Love this guy. He’s the most popular politican on earth. It’s because of his good looks.”
“The banks love Lula, and business gets along with him quite well,” says David Fleischer, a political analyst and professor emeritus at the University of Brasilia.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, nickname Lula, is the 35th and current President of Brazil.
Having run for President three times unsuccessfully since 1989 election, Lula achieved victory in 2002, and was inaugurated as President on January 1st, 2003. He was elected again in 2006, extenting his term as President until January 1st 2011.
His administration respected Fernando Henrique Cardoso, his predecessor, achievements that turned Brazil one of emerging economies and part of the BRIC group.
Lula put social programs at the top of his agenda. Lula’s leading program since very early on has been a campaign to eradicate hunger, following the lead of projects already put into practice by the Fernando Henrique administration, but expanded as Fome Zero (Zero Hunger).
The largest program is called Bolsa Família, adapted from Fernando Henrique Cardoso administration, are credited with helping millions eat and keep a roof over their heads. The