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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told an audience of Brazilian and British businessmen that Brazil is ready to do more business with the United Kingdom (UK).
"Brazilian entrepreneurs and the Brazilian government are ready and able to revive relations with the United Kingdom, with greater vigor than ever before," the president declared during his closing speech at the Brazil-UK business seminar. Earlier, in a visit to the Tropicália exhibit, the President had urged the British to invest more money in Brazil. In his speech at the seminar, he affirmed once again that the direction of the economy will not change because it is an election year, assuring his business listeners that his Administration is characterized by its serious approach to economic policy. "Brazil currently enjoys an institutional stability that allows us to face a year like this one, marked by nationwide general elections, with serenity," he stated. Lula reiterated that the present conditions of the Brazilian economy, both at home and abroad, are enabling the country to make a qualitative leap without precedent in the country's history. He referred to his Administration's achievements, such as reductions in inflation, the country risk premium, the debt, and unemployment. Furthermore, he underscored that Brazil is an entryway for investments in South America. "The business opportunities we offer are not confined to our borders. Brazil is becoming a privileged platform for access to a regional market with more than 300 million inhabitants and a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in excess of US$ 1 trillion. "And investment opportunities also exist here, in the United Kingdom, which can become a preferred partner of Brazilian companies in their strategy of expanding internationally." The president went on to say that his Administration will continue to improve the business climate in Brazil. "The election of a president or the choice of a minister of Finance is not enough; what will motivate an entrepreneur from the United Kingdom to form a partnership with a Brazilian entrepreneur is the seriousness and the conduct of the Brazilian entrepreneur." The Brazil-UK business seminar was attended by approximately 300 entrepreneurs from both countries. Agência Brasil
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