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In Uruguay, the U.S. Sees An Export Hub for Mercosur

On August 19, 2010, In a-bric, competitiveness, foreign investment, us companies, visionaries, by InvestBA
Montevideo Port

U.S. companies look to Montevideo as a regional hub for expanding export markets throughout Mercosur.

The U.S. may be mired in a full-blown recession, but economic activity and investment is surging here in the Southern Cone. Now Washington may finally be taking note, as evident by news yesterday out of Montevideo courtesy of El Pai­s.

The U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay, David Nelson, told a gathering of businessmen at the Uruguayan Trade Chamber the U.S. is now encouraging more American companies to invest in the region in order to tap growing consumer demand in Mercosur countries Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.

“As consumer demand has fallen in the U.S., our companies are looking for more export opportunities,” said Nelson adding, “(U.S.) companies are very interested in the region as a platform for investment and also a potential market for exports.”

Speaking about Uruguay specifically, Nelson says favorable tariff reductions at the San Juan Mercosur Summit has the U.S. eyeballing Uruguay as a regional distribution center. “In the last two weeks, I visited several free trade ports and companies investing in regional distribution logistics, and I see a very interesting possibility for American companies working together with Uruguayan partners to achieve this objective of export expansion.”

In closing, the Ambassador reiterated the most salient talking point for any company considering regional expansion based in Uruguay, “”Uruguay is a very interesting country for investment given its political and economic stability as well as its human resource wealth.” (Full article in Spanish)

For more information on U.S. companies already investing in Argentina and Uruguay, visit our archives and download the new issue of InvestBA Privada.

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Polo’s Appeal Broadening to New Fans, Countries

On July 26, 2010, In argentina polo, arts & entertainment, lifestyle, tourism, by InvestBA
Polo Spectators in Buenos Aires

Savvy marketing and global events are boosting polo's appeal with the masses. (Photo: Fabiano Goldoni)

It may be winter here in Argentina, but the world’s polo elite continue the 2010 tour on the Northern Hemisphere fields of the U.S. and England. And if there’s a common theme we’re seeing on this year’s circuit, it’s the continued marketing maturation and well-coordinated attempts to broaden the game’s appeal to a much wider audience.

First it was the Polo World Cup on South Beach, then Nacho Figueras joined forces with Moet Hennessey for New York’s Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, and finally tens of thousands turned out for London’s second annual Polo in the Park in June. The Financial Times says these events clearly demonstrate polo’s marketing evolution from game for the elite to sport for the masses.

“Initiatives are under way to make polo more accessible and to create a more compelling business proposition, but at the same time,” FT adds, “there are signs that the game is healthier than ever at the grassroots.” David Woodd, the CEO of the Hurlingham Polo Association says shaking up polo’s traditional patron-based funding system could open the door to expanded global TV coverage and greater fan loyalty.

The creation of a true Polo World Cup would also be a dream event for fans and marketers alike, says Woodd, even though the outcome may be somewhat predetermined. “We need a World Cup for polo, Mr Woodd says, “and to just accept that Argentina would win it.” (Full Article)

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World Cup 2010: A Tale of Two Brackets for Argentina, Uruguay

On June 25, 2010, In arts & entertainment, competitiveness, lifestyle, by InvestBA
World Cup Round of 16

Argentina and Uruguay are both four wins away from getting a third star for their jerseys.

“Europe in Decline While Latin America Shines” was the headline three days ago, as France, Italy and Greece were on the verge of elimination from the 2010 World Cup. Meanwhile local favorites Argentina and Uruguay took care of business in unselfish, workmanlike fashion, as did other Latin American teams: Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Paraguay will all make the cut.

Now Argentina and Uruguay find themselves in Round of 16 brackets that couldn’t be more dissimilar: Argentina’s reads like the Pantheon of Futbol Legends (England, Mexico & Germany) while Uruguay’s reads like a random seating chart at a Model U.N. conference (Ghana, Korea & U.S.A.).

One group has tallied 56 World Cup appearances, 17 Top 4 finishes and 6 World Cup victories; the other group’s stats are padded by Uruguay’s World Cup appearances (10) and wins (2). Since InvestBA focuses on investment opportunities in Argentina and Uruguay, we find the level of local fan confidence going into this weekend intriguing to say the least.

Despite their Pantheon positioning, confidence runneth over among the Argentine press and fan base. Pictures of Maradona sporting shades, headlines like “Vote of Confidence” and stories of fans of the Albicelestes already pushing back their return flights abound. In stark contrast, the Uruguayan fan base seems more reserved and respectful of their future foes. In fact, you can’t find a single story about the Seleccion Uruguaya today on the sports page of El Pai­s.

While Argentina speaks with the swagger of the ‘Canes, Uruguay settles for the occasional tweet from Forlan. Two different teams. Two different approaches. Two different chances to make history. We wish them both well and offer our predictions for this weekend of all weekends.

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Uruguay: A Good Place to Visit Your Money

On March 8, 2010, In entrepreneurs, foreign investment, uruguay, by InvestBA
Foreign investment in Uruguay rose over 400% from 2004 to 2008. Much of it came from the U.S.

Foreign investment in Uruguay rose over 400% from 2004 to 2008. Much of it came from the U.S.

That’s how Josh Spero describes Uruguay for readers of Spear’s Wealth Management Survey. In the current Tax & Trust section, Spero offers one of the most sophisticated and accurate depictions of the “Switzerland of South America” and “Argentina’s kid brother.”

The narrative begins with a description of Uruguay and Switzerland’s shared advantages for foreign investors: Banking secrecy laws? Check. Favorable tax regime? Check. But the present-day similarities end there considering that Switzerland is knee-deep in recession while Uruguay emerged relatively unscathed having already beefed up its banking system and capital ratios almost a decade ago.

Proof of confidence is evident in the country’s direct foreign investment numbers: From $397 million in 2004 to $2.2 billion in 2008 with Spain, Argentina and the United States accounting for the bulk of the funds flowing in. “Part of what has been driving this foreign investment,” Spero says, “is Uruguay’s seductive taxation rules, both for individuals and corporations.”

And after spending time in the capital city of Montevideo, the financial reporter is left with one undeniable takeaway: “There are opportunities for entrepreneurs everywhere you turn in Uruguay.” Spero lists commercial real estate development, telecoms and land for “property, pleasure and space” as three of the most attractive investment opportunities.

For more information about Uruguay investment opportunities, download IncomeBA and the new issue of InvestBA Privada.

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The Brand Called Argentina Coming to the U.S.

On February 24, 2010, In arts & entertainment, foreign investment, us companies, by InvestBA
Former player & current coach Diego Maradona in a 1978 ad for long-time sponsor Coca-Cola.

Former player & current coach Diego Maradona in a 1978 ad for long-time Argentina sponsor, Coca-Cola.

While some say beef is Argentina’s finest export, most European soccer club owners would politely disagree. The rosters of Europe’s legendary club teams are stacked with young players from Argentina like Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero and Gonzalo Higuain.

And while these talented twenty-somethings are gearing up for a match next week in Germany and this summer’s World Cup in South Africa, a recently announced agreement should raise the team’s profile and following in the United States. The Argentina Football Association (AFA) just inked a deal with a Chicago-based marketing group committing the National Team to four “friendly” matches in the U.S. between now and 2014.

AFA agent Guillermo Toffoni explained the branding significance of the deal to Reuters: “We want to open the market for the national team which is a very strong brand. It’s a brand that is as strong as or stronger than that of Real Madrid or Barcelona.” (Article)

The global appeal of Argentina’s National Team is evident in the current roster of multinational Official Sponsors including Coca-Cola, VW, Adidas, Quilmes, YPF, Italcred, Standard Bank and Claro. While Brazil, Spain and England are more favored to win this year’s World Cup, odds are good the brand called Argentina will broaden it’s U.S. appeal beginning with the first friendly this September.

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