The Georgia Tech Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) hosted the tenth annual Georgia Tech Global Business Forum, "Brazil and its Markets: Opportunities and Strategies for US Firms," on Thursday, April 22, 2004.

The Conference highlighted market opportunities in Brazil in the context of the ongoing FTAA negotiations, assisted local and regional actors in developing Brazil market opportunities, and provided insight into overcoming regulatory and cultural obstacles.

Throughout the day, the forum presented executive briefings, success stories, and lecturers from all sectors with a special interest in Brazil including leading economic experts, seasoned corporate strategists, legal specialists, top government trade officials, and academia.

Keynote speakers Hon. Roberto Abdenur, incoming Brazilian Ambassador to the US, and Mr. Walter Bastian, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the Western Hemisphere, Washington, discussed Brazil's current economy and its future. Abdenur, in favor of having no trade tariffs, stated that Brazil wants to become more competitive in the global economy through its trade relationships.

The event was presented by UPS with additional support provided by Delta Air Lines; Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC; and Veirano Advogados. It was co-organized by the Washington-based Brazil-US Business Council and the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia in collaboration with Georgia Tech's CIBER.

Conference panel members.   Members of the conference audience.   Professor John McIntyre and another panelist.   Group shot of conference participants.