It’s the rhythm of the samba drums, the flair of the people, the vibrant energy of the culture, and the natural habitat that surrounds you. These are the things that typically come to mind when people think of Brazil and reasons to visit. But, what many do not know is that this little piece of heaven on earth also provides the perfect conditions for doing business in lesser known parts of the country.
Without the worry of earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons, and other natural disasters, Brazil is ideally situated in a part of the world that opens up tremendous opportunities for all types of business investors. As you’re about to discover, there is so much more to this multicul tural region than Carnaval. In fact, Brazil is changing the game for economic growth in the world economy. With its ever-growing Gross Domestic Product (GDP), ris ing middle class, and its favorable atmosphere for visionary investors who find value in being at the forefront of the country’s growth spurt, Brazil is far from a third world country. Not only has Brasília steadily grown and positioned itself as a major economic powerhouse in Latin America, it is now poised to become the fifth largest economy in the world by 2016.
While Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paolo, and Salvador de Bahia are the more popular destinations that have raised Brazil’s international profile in culture, entertainment, and finance, there is a pearl that sits in the epicenter of this beautiful country, cradling its power base, and holding the key to all of Brazil in its grasp…its capital, Brasília. Only 50 years old, Brasília is the fourth-largest city in Brazil, with approximately 2.5 million inhabitants. This architecturally unique city — made up of the Federal District and surrounding satellite cities — was a vision fulfilled by former President Juscelino Kubitschek. As the federal capital of Brazil, it would help to encourage devel opment in the interior of the country, rather than only at the coastline.
The city of Brasília is a beautifully crafted sculpture that has been carefully planned, designed, and executed within the backdrop of Lago (Lake) Paranoá. From the many curves and angles of its buildings, to the innova tive “airplane” layout for which the city is known, and the many uses of water and foliage in and around the federal buildings and manicured lawns, Brasília is a breathtak ing inspiration that holds the key to Brazil’s future.
Light years ahead in its vision for urban planning, it is impossible not to notice the extreme cleanliness of the city and the warmth and pride of its citizenry. The layout of the city takes into account every detail, from where the government and business travelers do their business, to where residents do their shopping.
While Rio, Sao Paolo, and Salvador, Bahia are the more popular cities that have raised Brazil’s international profile in culture, entertainment, and finance, there is a pearl that sits in the epicenter of this beautiful country, cradling its power base, and holding the key to all of Brazil in its grasp…
Visitors may not know what to expect when they first travel to Brasília, however, when they arrive, they are en veloped in the essence of this mini-metropolis that imme diately feels like home to the newcomer. What takes your breath away is the simplicity of this piece of paradise. It’s in the detail given to its cobblestone and tiled walkways, to the dancing fountains on the square, to the blue stained glass windows of its famed Dom Bosco Cathedral; and of course, it’s in the food. In fact, in Brasília, less is definitely more – whether it’s the café pequenho (small coffee), or the world-famous churrasco (barbecue) that’s seasoned to the bone.
Similarly, as the heartbeat of Brazil’s governmental structure, Brasília is home to the headquarters of all of Brazil’s federal agencies, as well as 124 foreign embas sies and, a multitude of Brazilians (candangos) who have migrated from around the nation. Now, on the cusp of two premiere international events—the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics—and with its strong and vibrant culture of museums and history, Brasília has the capac ity to provide all visitors with a complete sampling of the Brazil’s best through the right type of infrastructure and visitor experience. As the seat of national policy and politics, Brasília is poised to become the premiere busi ness travel destination in the country, and capitalize upon its UNESCO designation to highlight its vast potential as a national and international culture and heritage tourism contender.
Of all its attributes, however, Brasília’s most powerful resource is its people. Despite its prestige and influence, there is a warmth and friendliness that engulfs you as you come in contact with the citizens of this powerful city. It’s in their patience as international guests try their hand at Portuguese, it’s in their smiles as they welcome you with a simple “bom dia” (good morning), and it’s in their stories as they describe how their city came to be.
With so many wonderful things to show, see, do, feel, and encounter, the question then becomes, “how does Brasília share such an amazing spectrum of attributes with an international audience?” Just as all great cities have made their marks by shaping how they are perceived by the rest of world, Brasília’s strengths and unique qualities will have to be sculpted through a strong mix of the right marketing message, and cultivation of a dynamic image. Like its North American counterpart, Washington, D.C., Brasília has the potential to become another federal district with a powerful impact on the global economy. The creation of a carefully crafted destination brand will allow the city to stand out as one that is poised for growth, welcoming to visitors, and open for business.
BEYOND CARNAVAL
BEM-VIND!