Brazil returns to the ranking of 25 most attractive countries for investments | Economy

Brazil returned to the world ranking of most attractive countries for investment. This is what the Confidence Index for Foreign Direct Investment, carried out annually by the Kearney consultancy, shows.

The research carried out interviews with businesspeople in January this year. The country appears in 19th place among the 25 best-rated nations by executives from the world’s leading companies. In 2022, Brazil ranked 22nd. In 2023, it did not appear on the list.

The survey considers the business investment perspectives for the next three years. In other words, the better the position, the more likely the executives will intend to invest resources in the country.

Executives from companies with annual revenues equal to or above US$500 million. In total, the companies are headquartered in 30 countries and cover all sectors.

Due to the fact that the survey was carried out at the beginning of the year, Investors’ perception at that time ended up leaving aside important facts for business decision-making.

The leadership of the ranking went to the United States, the main world economy. North Americans have topped the list for 12 years. Second place this year went to Canada, followed by China, the United Kingdom and Germany.

See the full ranking:

1. USA
2. Canada
3. China (includes Hong Kong)
4. UK
5. Germany
6. France
7. Japan
8. United Arab Emirates
9. Spain
10. Australia
11. Italy
12. Singapore
13. Switzerland
14. Saudi Arabia
15. Sweden
16. New Zealand
17. Portugal
18. India
19. Brazil
20. South Korea
21. Mexico
22. Taiwan
23. Poland
24. Argentina
25. Denmark

According to the report, investors’ enthusiasm for Brazil was related to the announcement by the Minister of Transport, Renan Filho, in September 2023, that the country expected to attract around R$180 billion in private investments for rail and road projects over the next three years.

The minister’s statement, cited by the consultancy Kearney, was made during a trip by Renan Filho to Lisbon, in Portugal, to present projects to European investors.

On the occasion, Renan Filho stated that the government should invest around R$80 billion by 2026, while private sector investments could double. The Transnordestina railway, under construction for 15 years, could be the key to this expansion, according to the minister.

When interest rates are high there, the profitability of Treasuries, the North American public bonds and the safest in the world, is higher. Therefore, those looking for security and good remuneration prioritize investing in the country.

In addition to the general ranking, the Kearney consultancy survey also provides a confidence assessment for foreign investment in emerging countries. In this group, Brazil occupied fifth positionbehind China, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and India.

1. China (includes Hong Kong)
2. United Arab Emirates
3. Saudi Arabia
4. India
5. Brazil
6. Mexico
7. Poland
8. Argentina
9. Thailand
10. Malaysia
11. South Africa
12. Indonesia
13. Philippines
14. Chile
15. Egypt
16. Türkiye
17. Romania
18. Vietnam
19. Costa Rica
20. Peru
21. Colombia
22. Hungary
23. Uruguay
24. Dominican Republic
25. Oman