Brazil: We want to do more with Africa
Brazil is committed to developing strong ties with nations that make up Africa, its former president has stated.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, speaking in his first public address after being treated for throat cancer, said that political and economic ties with Africa are of "strategic" importance to the South American country.
The legacy of Brazil’s football stadiums
Brazil's minister of sport has brought attention to the adaptable and versatile features of many of the FIFA World Cup 2014 stadiums.
Aldo Rebelo noted that these multipurpose aspects of the stadiums will provide a legacy that will extend beyond one of the greatest sporting events in the world's presence in Brazil.
Dilma Rousseff adds pressure to private banks
Brazil's president is intensifying pressure on the country's private banks to further cut interest rates.
In a televised address, Dilma Rousseff, who had a busy April negotiating trade deals with her US counterpart, president Barack Obama, stated that it was "inadmissible" that the South American economic giant is in such a position.
The importance of being happy
Like wafer-thin dominoes, vulnerably vertical without, for example, the strength of the stones used to construct Stonehenge, the perennially beguiling prehistoric monument, Europe's economies sit dangerously on the edge of uncertainty. Four years on from the greatest global financial crisis in recent times, nothing much has changed, just ask Ed Balls, the UK's shadow chancellor.
Universal austerity, across the board, implemented in near enough unison was always going to be risky. Did no one seek to consult JM Keynes, the great British economist, who talked of the paradox of thrift? Did no one understand that to collectively pay off debt and cut spending, both at micro and macro level, that this would invariably shrink GDP?
Brazil’s financial industry needs to improve scrutiny over mergers
Brazil's central bank is to improve the way mergers and acquisitions are scrutinised in the financial industry.
The central bank believes there is an imbalance in such deals between lenders and customers, with the latter suffering from poor customer experience and the former enjoying massive efficiency gains, Reuters reported.
News of this comes at a time when the South American country's banks are being urged by the government to do more to improve their services for the betterment of the economy.
In particular, there is a desire for banks to lower interest rates, which in turn will help boost growth.
"This regulatory act is part of a series of initiatives by the central to enhance competition in the financial system, as well as to ensure that customers can exercise their right to choose," a statement by the central bank said.
The online news provider reported that the central bank has devised a set of rules known as "accord on concentration limits", which will, in part, lead to more transparency about the details of mergers and acquisitions.
Brasilia remains strong
There is no property bubble in the city of Brasilia, according to JC Gontijo.
Jose Celso Gontijo, director of the largest real estate developer in the capital of Brazil, told Marcopolis that at a business dinner he recently attended, he met people from a 'Fund', whose intent was clear.
This group is looking to invest $540.5 million (approximately £332 million) in the South American country's property market.
He did add, however, that for these particular investors, it is worth considering directing this capita towards corporate buildings because "office buildings in Brasilia are bought and sold".
Mr Gontijo also told the online news provider that he believes property prices have reached their peak for now. Consequently, if there is any growth it will be marginal.
"I'm going to launch three hotels," he said, informing Marcopolis of some of his plans this year.
"The hotel network in Brasília is weak and since one of the main cities for the World Football Cup will be Brasília, there is a great need for new hotels. I believe that investing in hotels can be a growing market."
Leon Panetta: Brazil’s an emerging power
The US defence secretary has described Brazil as a rising global power, one that will play an important role in international security.
Leon Panetta, who has worked as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, insisted that the US is looking at working closer with the South American country in defence cooperation.
Brazil’s Congress passes forest legislation
Brazil's Congress has voted in favour of amendments to the law surrounding the controversial Forest Code.
Members of congress voted 247-184 in favour of the legislation, which the country's farmers welcomed – it will, they claim boost productivity.
Brazil hosts first OGP summit
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is, as its name suggests, an enterprise that exists to make governments more transparent and accountable. It's a global organisation comprised of 50 nations – it aims to expand its number of members over time – who have declared their commitment to improving the way democracies operate within their own borders and that elsewhere.
That the first summit occurred in Brazil speaks volumes about the way the South American country has transformed itself in ways unimaginable and become not only a huge economic force, but a world leader in democratic values. Brazil is clearly a nation of opportunity, idealism and progress.
Brazil and Canada keen to develop ties
Brazil's president has welcomed Canada's governor general as the two nations discussed how they can develop partnerships in the field of technology, science, education and innovation.
Dilma Rousseff and David Johnston had much to talk about, with both sides keen to work together for the benefit of both countries.
