The other America

[plazul]

I just got an email from a friend in Playa Azul Michoacan where the biggest political topic is the lack of an ATM and banking services. I'm looking forward to getting back there this winter and leaving behind the war and all the rest of our crazy politics.

You know, we get much more news about Africa than we do about Mexico and Latin America. Mexico City is the largest city in the world but I have never in my life seen a news report from there. We have a new member from Argentina, a beautiful country with a very rich culture that is struggling to recover from almost total economic collapse. What is the news from Buenos Aires?

We never hear about the forty year war in Columbia or the new problems in Central America. Most of Latin America might as well be a different planet but there is so much going on there and there are also many business opportunities for those who want to explore. Imagine owning some bargain real estate on the Peruvian coast that rivals anything in California. How about Belize as a place to locate your light manufacturing facility?

Why do we ignore our neighbors to the south? Some Americans would like to keep places like Costa Rica a secret but I predict that baby boomers will flock there once the retirement boom begins. But who knows about it? Only the offshore bankers and liability company guys.

Why do you suppose so many resource rich nations in South America continue to flounder in poverty? I think it's because America and Europe have done little to help reform the banana republics that oppress the people and keep all the wealth in the hands the wealthy elite.

If I were President, relations and trade with Latin America would be at the top of my agenda.

[Tombstone]

Yes, you definitely don't hear much. As a matter of fact, I know almost nothing about South America - other than what I consider superficial facts.

You've piqued my curiosity though. I was involved in some business conversations about foreign investments in South American companies many years ago - primarily establishing companies to manufacture products and export to the U.S.

The plan was scrapped due to the corruption, bribery, high inflation rate risk, and political instability (read: nationalization of private assets).

[capt_buzzard]

Right On.

[plazul]

Originally Posted by Tombstone

Yes, you definitely don't hear much. As a matter of fact, I know almost nothing about South America - other than what I consider superficial facts.

You've piqued my curiosity though. I was involved in some business conversations about foreign investments in South American companies many years ago - primarily establishing companies to manufacture products and export to the U.S.

The plan was scrapped due to the corruption, bribery, high inflation rate risk, and political instability (read: nationalization of private assets).

There really are opportunities if you have people to help you navigate the system. I recommend only dealing with attorneys that practice in your host country and the US.

I think reits are a good way to go down there but you do have to understand that their land laws are based on the Napoleonic Code and possession has a whole different legal meaning.

[Tombstone]

This subject matter is very interesting though. It also makes me think about other areas of the world that we hear so little about.

[plazul]

Forum Garden should solicit members from other countries. Let them know where they can get translation software if they don't speak English.