However, the country has not invested enough in infrastructure such as roads, railways, airports, and power generation and transmission facilities. Lack of investment in much of Brazil’s infrastructure is causing negative results for commercial transportation and energy needs. This is exacerbated because public/private partnerships are hard to achieve. Like many countries, Brazil is exposed to the fluctuations of world prices of goods it cannot produce domestically (CIA World Factbook - Brazil 2009; globalEDGE: Brazil: Economy n.d.; U.S. Department of State Country Background Note: Brazil 2009). It is expensive and time consuming to open a business in Brazil (2009 Index of Economic Freedom). While the government and economy is stable, these are relatively new phenomena. Unlike other countries that have endured abusive military regimes, Brazil still has yet to prosecute the military officials responsible for many of the atrocities brought upon the people of Brazil. This is due to the fact that Brazil still has an amnesty law in place that has provided pardons for government agents and members of political groups that have committed abuses (Human Rights Watch 2007, 2008). Structural reforms are needed in Brazil for education, social security, taxation, and the employment market (GlobalEDGE: Risk Assessment 2009). The country lacks knowledge workers. Corruption and police abuse are common. Crime is prevalent (globalEDGE: Brazil: Economy n.d.). Although Brazil represents an exciting future market with many opportunities, particulars do matter and depending on the business and industry, Brazil may not be worthwhile.
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