BRAZIL’S QUEST FOR COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE

Watch the two videos:

(1) “Foreign Direct Investment and its Roles in Economic Development.”

(2) “From the European Coal & Steel Community to the Common Market – Professor Vernon Bogdanor.”

Consider what you learned from these videos when you answer the questions below. Review the Case Assessment Rubric to make sure you incorporate the rubric’s criteria in your case report.

CASE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Why is Brazil’s agriculture so competitive?

Why have Brazil’s governments in both the 20th and 21st centuries been eager to develop world-class manufacturing?

How can Brazil shift some of its resources from uncompetitive industries to competitive industries?

ON ETHICS: While President Rousseff’s critics accuse her of ignoring Brazil’s lack of comparative advantage in manufacturing, her supporters argue that her policies force Brazil to reduce its dependence on foreign-made would you manufacturing goods.

If you were to participate in this debate, which side be on?