Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 03/2010

The growth of Brazil's direct investment abroad and the challenges it faces

Luís Afonso Lima, Octavio de Barros

August 2009

Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment

Abstract

Brazil's FDI outflows reached $21 billion in 2008; in the first five months of 2009, however, Brazil's OFDI declined by 87% due to the global economic crisis. The authors note that while Brazilian companies, like companies elsewhere, have sought markets and natural resources abroad, they have also in part been pushed to escape the investment climate at home. The authors end by suggesting some rethinking of key government policies.