Ecuador. The smallest Andean country in South America.

Spectacular. Epic. Breathtaking.

But amidst this natural beauty and diversity is a nation that is breaking new ground.

Ecuador is a nation struggling to find itself, and there is no better time for American investors to consider its role in the country’s economic development.

At the center of Latin America and the world. This is Ecuador.

With one part lying in the southern hemisphere and the other in the northern, Ecuador is a small, oil-producing country in the Andean region of South America. It is a nation with vast resources and potential, one that is rewarding for investors as it is challenging.

Ecuador is situated along the equatorial line it is named after, bordering Colombia and Peru. The capital city is Quito, while its largest city is Guayaquil.

Ecuador is redefining its role within Latin America and the world, and it is its constant state of flux that has caught the eye of the international community.

Ecuador’s relations with the United States have traditionally been close, although recent events have strained bilateral relations. Negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement with Ecuador have been suspended indefinitely in the wake of business disputes with the United States, and American concerns over President Rafael Correa’s populist tendencies and state-centered economic policies.

Ecuador remains a market with significant potential for U.S. firms. Ecuador adopted the dollar as its national currency, following a major banking crisis and recession in 1999. The United States still remains Ecuador’s principal trading partner, and Ecuadorians are looking forward to a period of cooperation and dialogue with the United States.

BANKING AND MICRO-FINANCE

The future of Ecuador lies not in the hands of large multinationals or major oil corporations, but rather in the hands of people like these who have decided to embrace the importance of humble entrepreneurship. All this is possible though micro-finance schemes that encourage small businesses to succeed.

In Ecuador, micro-finance is the ticket that gives the impoverished the means to raise themselves out of poverty and for their communities to grow toward economic prosperity while teaching the rudiments of credit.

Twenty years ago, a fruit farmer like Hinojosa Otavalo would never obtain the capital to manage and maintain a farm, as no major bank would have given out such a small loan, much less to a person without collateral. Now, Hinojosa has a positive outlook on his future.

TOURISM

The mythical Galapagos Islands. These scarred volcanic islands adrift from the Ecuadorian mainland are instrumental in changing humanity’s perception of itself. It remains one of the world’s best places for interacting with animals in the wild at close range, and a visit is a fascinating journey back through the history of time itself.

While the Galapagos is definitely a highlight of any trip to Ecuador, the mainland also has its share of riches. Visitors can admire the snow-capped Andes mountains and explore the wonders of the Amazon rainforest, all in the span of a day.

Ecuador is a sustainable paradise. Its commitment to protecting natural, cultural, and human diversity is the country’s main goal. Ecuador is considered to be one of the most diverse countries in the world, and its geographical, biological, and cultural diversity is unparalleled.

Ecuador is a land of contrasts. For better or for worse, change is imminent in this South American nation. “Este es Ecuador, la mitad del mundo”. The Center of the World.

In the northeastern corner of South America lies a pristine rainforest paradise that offers an unforgettable and unsurpassed experience.

A land of breathtaking beauty and a vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.

And the continent’s best-kept business secret.

Guyana is a nation on the move, and the next few years are crucial in the implementation of the country’s competitiveness strategy.

What makes Guyana an excellent place for foreign investment?

Can tourism as an industry move the nation forward?

And most importantly, what can this nation of 770,000 people bring to the world?

Come join US Television as we explore: Guyana’s Potential.

Guyana, the only English-speaking country in South America, is located on the North Atlantic coast of the continent between Venezuela, Suriname and Brazil. Ninety percent of the population lives on the narrow coastal plain, while the largely untapped interior features rainforests and savannahs.

Although geographically a part of South America, Guyana is more culturally and politically tied to the Caribbean. The capital city of Georgetown is an excellent example of British and Dutch heritage in the region, and is a melting pot of the joyful locals, themselves a curious mix of East Indian and African descendants, peppered with indigenous Amerindians, Europeans and Chinese.

Guyana is the seat of the Caribbean Community and Common Market, or CARICOM. The United States is Guyana’s number one source for imports and number two destination for exports, and commerce between the two countries has been healthy. Having a free market economy since the government instituted an Economic Recovery Programme in 1989, Guyana today enjoys strong macroeconomic stability and a promise of return on foreign investments.

Guyana is an emerging economy with enormous untapped potential. Supported by stable macro-economic policies, attractive investment incentives and a regulatority environment and corporate tax regime that do not discriminate against foreign investors. Guyana also provides investor’s favorable conditions to do business.

No trip to Guyana would be complete without sampling its most famous export: rum. Guyana has a 300-year old rum tradition that has produced some of the best rum in the world.

The Guyanese rum industry has recently made a remarkable advance towards maintaining its competitiveness in the important markets of the European Union and the United States.

Guyana truly is the final frontier, a land of raw, unaltered, and pristine nature. A lack of interior development has allowed the country’s geography to support a variety of ecosystems. From the Guyana Shield to the Amazon Basin, it is the jungle at its most pure. Wherever you go, Guyana promises to make the trip of a lifetime.

Macro economic stability. A government open to foreign business. A proud and peaceful population. And an abundance of natural resources. Guyana’s potential is massive.

INDIA: AT THE THRESHOLD OF CHANGE

India. The world’s largest democracy has come to the forefront as a new global powerhouse. An English-speaking populace with an increasing disposable income and a burgeoning market have enabled India to emerge as a viable partner to global industry.India is the seventh largest country in area and the second largest population in the world. India’s landmass is roughly a third of the size of the United States but with almost four times the population. It shares borders with Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. The capital city is New Delhi.India is in the global arena for increased foreign investment. While its size and growth potential make India attractive as a market, the most compelling reason for investors to be in India is that it provides a high return on investment.

India is a free-market democracy with a legal and regulatory framework that rewards free enterprise, risk-taking and entrepreneurship.This highly diversified business climate has shown rapid development and remarkable resilience since 1991, when economic reforms were initiated with the progressive opening of the economy to international trade and investment. Investment opportunities in India are today at a peak, valued in excess of 850 billion dollars in diverse sectors over the next five years. The government of India is committed to enabling foreign investors to discover India as a partner with whom they can work in synergy to achieve their objectives of growth and profitability.Economic growth in India today is being rewritten by India’s highly entrepreneurial and rapidly globalizing private sector. Indian firms are bullish about their economy and are eager for U.S. commercial and joint venture partnerships, technologies, brands, services, and know-how.Corruption still remains an obstacle to foreign direct investment. But India is turning a sharp corner in this regard as it moves closer to global integration.

ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE AND REAL ESTATE

The Taj Mahal in Agra, in the province of Uttar Pradesh. Simply the world’s most beautiful building and a stunning example of the elaborate aesthetic world that the Moghuls created in India. Built by Shah Jahan as a tomb to his favorite wife, it’s difficult to imagine a grander gesture throughout history.Located only 126 miles from Delhi, it nonetheless takes 5 hours to get to Agra by national highway. But with the construction of a brand new toll road, travel time would be reduced to under 2 hours. The Yamuna Expressway, a project of Jaypee Infratech, will be a 6-lane access-controlled Expressway and is indicative of the surge in private sector investment in India’s infrastructure.The National Highways Authority of India is mandated to implement the National Highways Development Project, an ambitious initiative aiming to build world-class roads with uninterrupted traffic flow. However, more investment is needed in order to develop India’s crumbling road infrastructure, something the government is keen to address.Construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure, including roads, highways and bridges, is allowed at 100 percent FDI. A very crucial element that could hold the key to India’s infrastructure overhaul is public-private partnerships.Quality, not quantity. The future of Indian infrastructure looks bright, and the positive change is affecting the road, air, and sea network of the nation.

POWER

The Indian Himalaya. Vast. Pristine. Humbling. The term “Himalaya” is a Sanskrit word meaning “the Abode of Snow” and marks the crossroads of Asia’s three main religions of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. In this greatest of mountain ranges lies the source of India’s main source of renewable energy: water. More and more private companies, both local and international, are taking advantages of the opportunities in power sector investment.As the Indian economy continues to surge ahead, its power sector has been expanding concurrently to support the growth rate. The demand for power is growing exponentially and the scope for the growth of this sector is immense. But with increased demand for power comes capacity shortages. National surveys of industrialists consistently rate power supply as one of the most critical constraints. With responsibility for electricity supply shared constitutionally between the central and the state governments, the Indian government has placed increased emphasis on improving the efficiency of supply, consumption, and pricing of electricity. Only reforming power sector management and financing at the state level can achieve this.According to the Indian Ministry of Power, a 107,000 MW power capacity needs to be added before 2012 to bridge the demand gap. About one-fourth to one-third of this growth will come from independent power producers, with the rest coming from the public sector.The Ministry of Power is facilitating the development of Ultra Mega Power Projects with the capacity of about 4000 MW, each under the tariff-based competitive bidding route. Power projects like the Baspa-II Hydroelectric Project in the Himalayas are just the beginning of a new stage of Indian power generation and transmission, and the potential for more projects is huge.

INDIAN SOCIETY AND TOURISM

Mumbai. The powerhouse of Indian business, industry and trade. India’s most dynamic and westernized city is an assault on the senses.India’s population, at 1.2 billion and growing, represents over 15 percent of the world’s inhabitants. In terms of purchasing power parity, the Indian economy ranks the fourth largest in the world. It is crucial to know that India is driven primarily by domestic consumer consumption and stands in marked contrast to Japan, the Asian Tigers and China, all of whom have followed the export-oriented model. However, poverty still remains a major concern besides disparity in income. One of the major challenges for the Indian economy and those responsible for operating it, is to remove the economic inequalities that are still persistent in India after its independence in 1947.Upon its celebration of fifty years of independence in 1997, India adopted the slogan “Unity in Diversity”. The Indian tourism board has also launched a wildly successful “Incredible India” campaign to attract more tourists. That so much of India’s past remains discernible today is all the more astonishing the country’s rapid pace of development. India has an elusive soul. A nation so complex and bewildering, intimidating yet utterly compelling. It is unforgettable.

CONCLUSION

The story of India is one of growth and rebirth. As the global economy suffers from an economic recession, India’s progress and breakneck journey into economic nirvana will result in a reincarnation of a new global order. To know the 21st century is to know India. Namaste!

Mexico: Let’s Talk Business

Lying right to the south of the US, Mexico shares both a maritime and a land border with its northern neighbour. Several treaties have been concluded between the two nations bilaterally and multilaterally. They are also both members of various international organisations. Mexico enjoys a strategic geographical position, great natural wealth and a relatively young population. This, together with the plurality of its industrial sectors, sound international trade relations, economic and financial stability, as well as a notable political maturity, consolidates it as one of the best destinations for international investment.
The country also possesses an attractive exchange rate against the US dollar, relatively low transportation costs and a large number of Free Trade Agreements.

The capital Mexico City is one of the most important economic hubs in Latin America, contributing over 20% of the country’s gross domestic product. It has been ranked as the richest in Latin America, and among the top 10 in the world. Mexico City is increasingly being viewed as the financial capital of Latin America, and it’s easy to see why. From the largest international banks locating their headquarters here, to the strong presence of successful local banks, the finance industry in Mexico is booming.

Finance

According to the International Monetary Fund, the Mexican banking system is strong, in which private banks are profitable and well-capitalised. The process of institution-building in the financial sector has evolved together with the efforts of financial liberalisation and of inserting the economy more fully into world markets. The presence of foreign institutions and banks, as well as a better regulatory framework, has allowed Mexico’s banking system to grow in a positive light.Mexico has a single securities market, the Mexico Stock Exchange, also known as the Bolsa de Valores. Although relatively small when compared to other North American exchanges, it is Latin America’s second largest stock exchange, after Brazil’s. Mexico’s stock market is closely linked to developments in the US, and is directly affected by any changes in the New York and Nasdaq stock exchanges.

IT

Information technology is another sector that’s growing by leaps and bounds in the country. The IT service market in Mexico has experienced sustained growth rates over the last few years. Mexico City is the IT hub for the country, with more than 700 IT companies based in the capital, and the city is strongly promoting the development of this sector. In 2006, a software development park was opened in Mexico City, this software cluster project aims to make the software sector more competitive by creating more support programmes.

Trade & Industry

Mexico is an export-oriented economy. It is an important trade power, and the country with the highest number of free trade agreements, among them NAFTA.The electrical-electronics industry is one of Mexico’s main exports, with exports reaching over USD2.6 billion in 2009. Employing over 100,000 people, the sector accounts for about 30% of total exports.The sector also faces a few challenges, for example the incentive programmes enacted by the US Congress in 2008 which provides tax credits for certain US-made energy efficient appliances untill 2010. With the significant credit amounts of USD200 for a refrigerator to USD250 for a washer, similar products manufactured in Mexico now compete at a disadvantage. The impact on the Mexican manufacturing sector has been serious, with jobs being lost and investments into research being scaled back. Leaders in the Mexican sector are keen that the US and Mexico work together, as they have in the past, to solve problems like these and increase the competitiveness of the region.

The Mexican health care system is mainly based on the free market system. But the public sector has its role to play too.
Mexico is also the first country in the world where a law authorising biological generics has been implemented. Mexican companies are becoming leaders in this high-tech sector exporting all over the world, with the exception of the USA, where this law does not exist yet.

Tourism

Mexico offers so much by way of tourism. From its amazing beaches to its colonial treasures, there is something that will please every visitor. The World Tourism Organisation has ranked Mexico as one of the most important destinations in the world due to the number of tourists that visit the country.

In its capital Mexico City, magic is to be found on nearly every corner. From a boat trip across a lake in places like Xochimilco to the impressive pyramids of Teotihuacan, the tourist will be sure to find something that will make him hold his breath in wonder.

Within the city, Mexico’s monuments are some of its biggest attractions. Symbols of the country’s rich history, they build for the visitor a powerful image of how amazing Mexican culture and society are today. Mexico’s rich history is also showcased in its numerous museums that can be found throughout the country. Mexico is also an ideal place to learn the Spanish language. One of the schools - Frida Spanish school - organizes interesting trips to famous places. Just living there, enjoying life, you easily grasp the essentials, and quickly become fluent in this wonderful tongue. Mexico City has a fine choice of hotels for every budget. One of the city’s best is the Four Seasons. The hotel is wonderfully located near a lot of vintage touristic sites, and the best business and shopping areas of the Mexican capital.

Mexico is a destination that offers much to the would-be investor: a sound business environment with a stable government that is open to foreign direct investment, and is keen to work together with the private sector to help develop the country. The country’s economic stability and legal framework further provide security and protection for the interested investor.

There is a country you have to see to believe.
Where the massive Andes Mountains crash into the impenetrable rain forests of the Amazon.
A land wrapped in 10,000 years of history.
Diverse. Exquisite. Fascinating. This is Perú.

South America’s most beautiful country is also a region of great potential and excellent conditions for business.
A developing air of competitiveness is rising as Perú enters the global marketplace, boosted by some of the most ambitious people in the continent.

How can a country scarred by civil war and political protest have a solid macroeconomic equilibrium?
And how can the Free Trade Agreement with the United States take Perú’s relationship with the world’s largest economy further?
A land of opportunity. This is Perú.

Perú is a nation on the threshold of change. Coming forth from decades of corrupt governments, instability, and protest, the Andean country is now seen by the world as an economic power in Latin America. In 2008, Perú’s GDP increased by 9.8% despite the international crisis. The positive economic expectations for Perú in the coming years are based mainly on the public and private investments, and to the increased confidence of foreign and domestic businesses.

With a total area of almost 500,000 square miles, Perú is the third largest country in South America. It is divided into three distinctive geographic regions: the Coast, the Andes highlands, and the rainforest. The capital city is Lima.

Former President Alan Garcia, who went into exile after a disastrous term, was elected president for the second time in 2006. While his popularity has dropped significantly over the last few years, Garcia has had some significant successes, mostly coming in the form of a rapid rise in foreign investments in mineral exploitation along big jumps in the price of primary resources. Despite half of its population living below the poverty line, Perú’s economic growth surpasses the global average.

The United States is one of Perú’s largest trading partners. In addition to a robust macro-economic environment, the trade relationship between the United States and Perú is also boosted by improved market access conditions. On February 1, 2009, the U.S.-Perú Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force, enhancing the overall commercial and investment climate by eliminating tariffs on many goods, accelerating the customs clearance process for U.S. imports, and strengthening protection on intellectual property rights.

Perú’s efforts to broaden its trade relationships are not limited to enhancing its commercial ties with the United States. The Peruvian Government is also in the process of negotiating trade agreements with Canada, China, the European Union, Singapore and Australia. This confidence has been aided by a strong public-private sector partnership.

CAPITAL MARKETS AND HUMAN CAPITAL

Lima. Perú’s boisterous, aggressive capital. This is a place where money rules, with an alluring underlying energy. With its splendid architectural attractions, Lima Centro is very much a centre of Limeños’ daily life. This is where almost a third of the country’s population live.

Perú’s capital markets are at an emergent stage. While banks are still the main financing source for the corporate sector, the capital market is showing good prospects in the context of favorable economic development and growing exports. The Lima Stock Exchange has been ranked some of the best performing in Latin America. Perú has financial and investment service companies that are innovative and at the same time prudent in managing risks to generate strategic allies. Such companies can offer a variety of products to cover financial requests from small and medium enterprise sectors, and can trade in the country not just through financial vehicles, but also in private projects.

The entrepreneurial mentality of Peruvians has developed at a fast pace, and this is evident in the country’s growing middle class.

The rise of both small and medium sized enterprises and strong multinational corporations have led to a boom in employment especially in white-collar office jobs in the main cities. Peruvians are now becoming more and more in-demand, something its residents are very much proud of.

INDUSTRY

Lima is at the heart of a massive explosion in manufacturing and industry. While mining is still the most profitable industry for the country, heavy industry has become a key factor in the nation’s economic growth, no doubt hastened by its strong free trade agreements. These days, the phrase “Made in Perú” has become synonymous with quality and craftsmanship.

Unlike some of its Andean neighbors, Peruvian companies are investing a lot into raising the quality standards of its manufacturing infrastructure to cope with the demands of the national and international markets.

Even more impressive are the number of Peruvian companies who are actually making a name globally. The Peruvian multinational has become a reality, expanding both offices and production lines as far away as North America and Europe.

INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND ENERGY

The region of Arequipa. Perú’s second-largest city, Arequipa grew from a collection of Spanish colonial churches and homes constructed from petrified volcanic ash from the surrounding terrain. The landscape is dominated by the Andes Mountains rising high into the sky, with fertile valleys that plunge into deep canyons.

Perú’s geography provides investors a unique opportunities in energy generation projects, and hydropower in particular. The Peruvian government is encouraging foreign companies to harness the potential of the region.

The exponential growth of Perú’s economy and in particular its lively international trade is creating significant demand for infrastructure and logistic services. Its geo-strategic location provides prime access to all American markets, enhanced by a strong land, air, and sea network.

Private companies are also adopting more and more corporate social responsibility projects, especially in areas where infrastructure development is minimal and people do not have easy access to goods and services. The public and the private sectors are working hand in hand to make sure that businesses are both profitable and responsible, and the response has been successful.

TOURISM

The Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Center of the World. This is South America’s biggest tourist magnet offering a thriving Andean culture, awe-inspiring Inca architecture and treasures from the Spanish colonial era. Perú at its most magical.

But there is more to Perú than Machu Picchu. Perú holds an infinite amount of destinations, waiting to welcome American visitors with open arms.

The potential of Perú as a tourist product is one of the largest in the world. However, it currently has to meet the challenges of a changing and increasingly competitive travel market.

The mighty Amazon. In Perú you can cruise down rivers and lose yourself at the biodiversity of the surrounding jungles. Perú’s least-known region receives only a tiny fraction compared to visitors that go to Machu Picchu, but it is just as unforgettable. Few people think of Perú in terms of jungle, yet well over half of the country is covered by dense tropical rainforest. As a global center for biodiversity, the Peruvian jungle is a conservation priority. It is disappearing at an alarming rate due to deforestation and the onslaught of modernity, threatening the environment and the lives of the over fifty indigenous tribes that still live scattered throughout the Amazon. Through responsible, regulated tourism, visitors can experience the region is all its glory without leaving a harmful footprint.

Peruvians are proud of their country, and rightfully so. It is a feast of sight sound, and color. Its hotels are world-class, and its gastronomy is second to none. Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the most diverse in the world and Lima is the unofficial “Gastronomic Capital of the Americas”. And who can forget the Peruvians, the most entertaining and friendliest people in South America. Truly the best recipe for the perfect holiday.

Colombia. A land of enchantment and discovery.

A country formerly torn by civil war, and united by a strong desire for progress.

The booming metropolis of Bogota… Medellin’s City of the Eternal Spring…. The Spanish Colonial Architecture of Cartagena…

Colombia is passion! A passion for life, for music, and for country. And a people sustained by a passion for work, commitment, and ingenuity.

Today’s Colombia is a nation of excellence and entrepreneurship. An example of progress to the world, Colombia is one of the most well-developed countries in Latin America.

21st century Colombia is a success story driving economic growth in the region over the next decade. Come witness the transformation, (and the) people and companies behind it. A new business destination for a new global economy. This is… A New Colombia.

Colombia ranks solidly with the group of progressive, industrializing countries worldwide that have well-diversified resources. Displaying outstanding economic stability over the last decade, Colombia has shown a trend of positive GDP growth and has been the least economically volatile country in the region. It is definitely a leader in reforms that facilitate business.

Since President Alvaro Uribe took power in 2002, the dramatically improved security situation has given both Colombian companies and international investors the confidence to invest in Colombia.

Much of Colombia’s economic future hinges on the upcoming free trade agreement with the United States, an important step that has yet to be ratified.

It cannot be denied that Colombia has a very serious image problem. But while certain problems continue to play out in the background, Colombia welcomes the world with open arms and a promise of peace and stability.

BANKING & TRANSPORT

Sprawling. Towering. Manic. This is Bogotá, Colombia’s engaging capital. Forward-thinking and progressive, this is where the nation gravitates to.

Bogotá is one of the safest cities in Latin America. Free-market policies and relatively low levels of corruption have given birth to a very strong middle class and some of the nation’s finely education and ambitious professionals.

While the United States suffered an economic recession in 2008, Colombia continued to increase the size and depth of the financial sector and the development of the banking and capital markets.

The Colombian banking system is well positioned to profit from core banking activity. One only needs to look into the growing number of new entrants to the market to show the dynamism of the country’s banking sector.

Colombia is well connected to the United States and the rest of Latin America through an extensive air network. The national airline, Avianca, was founded in 1919, making it the oldest commercial airline in Latin America and the second oldest in the world.

The port of Cartagena on the Caribbean Sea. With a highly developed infrastructure, Colombia is an ideal export platform. The excellent, strategic location of Colombia makes for an unbeatable equidistant point for the markets of the continent, allowing for shorter transit times, faster delivery, and very competitive international cargo transport services.

Colombia’s government has announced a massive infrastructure investment program for 2009, which should help drive the construction sector forward, and shelter it from some of the worst effects of the global economic downturn. While much of the investment relies on private capital, it is forecasted that the construction industry value will exponentially increase over the coming years. How important is public-private partnership in the sector?

INDUSTRY

The city of Medellin in the province of Antioquia. The City of the Eternal Spring. this attractive region was settled by Europeans in the early 17th century, drawn to its fertile terrain and moderate climate.

Antioquia is Colombia’s region of the future, where rugged individualism and passion for industry collide, and create a glorious explosion of style and class. Its people, called paisas, have earned a reputation for sharp-eyed entrepreneurship and a heightened sense of identity.

Medellin has developed a wide industrial base. Medellin is known as “Colombia’s Manchester,” because of its textile mills and clothing factories, and now accounts for over 60 percent of textile production in the country.

Medellin’s industrial power extends to other manufacturing sectors as well, such as electronics and appliances. Colombians are extremely patriotic of their country, and prefer to support local brands over imported ones. One name synonymous with Colombia is Industrias Haceb, a success story in the region.

NATIONAL RESOURCES

Colombia is a nation rich in natural resources, and in the Los Llanos Basin, oil exploration and extraction is booming. Colombia is the tenth-largest supplier of oil to the United States. While it has about 1.75 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, potential oil reserves, however, are believed to be much larger, and the government is looking into further foreign investment in this area.

Ecopetrol, the largest and primary petroleum company in Colombia and one of the top three principal petroleum companies in Latin America, is also active in heavy industry of non-oil related products such as polypropylenes and plastics. But the can it compete with its international counterparts in terms of quality?

The second reason products in Colombia are of good standards is the premium engineering of the manufacturing infrastructure. While years ago Colombian industries have looked into foreign engineers and contractors to develop their plants, the resurgence of strong local firms has put both national and international companies on an even keel.

Just who is Juan Valdez? The symbol of Colombia’s best-known legal export: coffee. In 1959, the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia launched a campaign with this fictional character to symbolize and personify the hardworking and dedicated Colombian “cafeteros”, or coffee farmers, that depend on coffee for their livelihood.

The Colombian Coffee Growers Federation ensures the welfare of the many people delivering the best quality coffee possible. In Colombia, as in the rest of the world, corporate self-regulation and assistance to the less-privileged has become part of the majority of its companies’ business models.

Back in Medellin, companies such as EPM are using corporate social responsibility strategies that facilitate universality of services, sustainable human development in communities, and social employment generation.

Health standards in Colombia have improved greatly since the 1980’s. The structure of public health-care funding was transformed by shifting the burden of subsidy from providers to users.

Without a doubt, Colombia’s best asset is its human capital. It is a highly entrepreneurial country, with a growing and flexible workforce. Colombians get a head start compared to their Andean neighbors due to the government’s focus on entrepreneurial education at an early age.

TOURISM

With breathtaking beauty everywhere you look and the warmth of South America’s happiest people putting you at ease, you may find it difficult to leave. Colombia is an easy country to fall in love with, and it may well become the most memorable experience of your life.

Colombia is magic. And some of the warmest and happiest people on the planet. Colombians love their country, and will do everything for you to fall in love with it as well. So goes the tourism tagline, “El riesgo es que te quieras quedar.” The only risk is wanting to stay.

Colombia is safe. Colombia is booming. Colombia is passion. Always moving forward, the country’s still most startling feature is its optimism. A new Colombia is emerging. Bienvenido a Colombia!

In 1957, the country was one of the first Sub-Saharan African nations to gain independence from the United Kingdom. Part of the colonial legacy today is that while over 100 native languages are still spoken, it is English that is the official language of the country, and predominates government and business affairs.

Well-endowed with natural resources, Ghana enjoys twice the per capita output of the poorer nations in the region, and has been recognised as one of the more economically sound countries in all of Africa. It however still remains somewhat dependent on foreign financial and technical assistance, as well as the support of the extensive Ghanaian diaspora.

The domestic economy continues to revolve around primary industries such as subsistence agriculture or fishing, which accounts for a large portion of Gross Domestic Product, and employs more than half the nation’s work force.

A well-administered country by regional standards, Ghana is often seen as a model for political and economic reform on the African continent.

The government’s goals include accelerated economic growth, improved quality of life for all Ghanaians, and reduced poverty through macroeconomic stability by the year 2020. To this effect, political stability and more private sector investment within the country is encouraged.

The media in Ghana is considered to be one of the most free in Africa, and the local populace take their civic liberties seriously. Politicians are held accountable for their actions and criticism of government policies is not unheard of.

Just as they are quick to hold their leaders responsible, the Ghanaian workforce is also one that is reliable.

BUSINESS & LEISURE

Travelling to Ghana, either for business or tourism purposes, is relatively easy. The country is well-connected internationally, both to other African destinations, as well as to countries away from the continent.

Most visitors to the country arrive at Accra - its capital, and the most populous city in the country. The administrative, communications, and economic center of the nation, Accra offers good connection options to the rest of the country. A major transport hub, Accra is also home to the Kotoka International Airport. From here, people can connect easily to international destinations or to other domestic locations.

As one of the country’s largest foreign income earners, the government has placed great emphasis upon further support and development for the tourism sector.

Thanks to its friendly people, Ghana is often touted as the “soft introduction” for first-time visitors to Africa, and has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists.

While Ghana cannot boast iconic natural wonders akin to its sister nations on the continent, the country has a charm all its own.

TRADE & INDUSTRY

The kente cloth is the best-known of all African textiles. Produced by the Akan people, it is held in high esteem and was once worn only by kings. Although its use is more widespread today, its importance has remained high.

Wood-carving is another handicraft that the locals excel at. From traditional drums to statues and collectibles, watching a master carver at work is a treat for any tourist. Look out for their varied coffins – often a light-hearted take on a usually solemn affair.

A visit to any art gallery will also showcase the numerous high-end efforts of the country’s artists. Here at the Artists Alliance, one can view and purchase works from contemporary painters, as well as old artefacts as a souvenir of the country’s past.

HISTORICAL TOURISM

A land rich in history and culture, Ghana also helps us remember the less gracious aspect of human nature.

This is the land where European traders held their African slaves in forts along the southern coast of the country, before shipping them off to the New World.

The Elmina Castle, erected by the Portuguese in 1482, is the oldest European building in existence below the Sahara. First established as a trade settlement, the building later became one of the most important stops on the Atlantic Slave Trade route. This popular historical site changed colonial hands from the Portuguese to the Dutch to the British, before finally being handed over to the Ghanaians.

Forts like these are dotted along the coast of the country, including the James Town Fort. Long after their slave ancestors were shipped out, this fort was converted into a prison, which ceased to function in 2007. A walk through the quiet corridors and a peek into the bare rooms might not be on every tourist’s to-do list, but it certainly offers a unique view of the country’s history.

Colonialism brought with it a less sombre touch to the country as well - the Aburi Botanical Gardens lie an hour east of Accra. Founded in 1890 by a student from London’s Kew Gardens, today the grounds offer many a peaceful day out with family and friends.

From the warm sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast to rich tropical forests, Ghana certainly offers the would-be tourist a rich sampling of all things African.

A country with a high level of political stability, peace and good basic infrastructure, Ghana offers the potential investor a promising entrance to the larger West African market. In addition, its tax regime that favours foreign direct investment is a definite pull factor.

Would-be investors can rest assured that their businesses will see sustainable long-term growth in this golden land of opportunities.

Indeed, Ghana today represents one of the most promising opportunities in the African world.

The most visited tourist destination in the Caribbean.

A country of palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and passionate music.

Where the best pleasures are humble and life is savored slowly.

There is no better definition of paradise on earth. Welcome to the Dominican Republic.

But there is more to the Dominican Republic than its image as a Caribbean playground. It is also a magnet for foreign investment, thanks to a solid and investor-friendly legal regime, generous incentives and an impressive infrastructure capable of supporting new industries and companies.

Its strategic geographic position allows an easy access to the markets of the United
States, Latin America and the Caribbean. An ongoing process of modernization has spurred economic growth, coupled with aggressive efforts by the government and the private sector to promote trade liberalization and economic integration. We look at the nation today as it enjoys an environment of political stability and wide-reaching optimism.

Located in the Caribbean Sea, the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti the island of Hispaniola. Its closest neighbors are Cuba and Puerto Rico. Its capital is Santo Domingo.

The Dominican Republic is a country on track for progress and development. A quick look at the nation’s economic indicators show that growth has been both sustainable and dynamic. The nation has set itself as a good example to the world of positive structural and economic reform, and a strong wave of economic consolidation is sweeping throughout. This the most open and cosmopolitan nation in the Caribbean.

The Dominican Republic has shown some of the highest growth rates in Latin America and the Caribbean, thanks in part to the leadership of the nation’s president, Leonel Fernandez.

On March 2007, the Free Trade Agreement between the Dominican Republic, the United States and Central America, called DR-CAFTA, was signed. 75 percent of the country’s exports are sent to the United States, making it the Dominican Republic’s largest trading partner.

INVESTMENT

Taking advantage of its unique position, the country is actively promoting itself as an ideal investment centre for projects that fulfill its strategic goals: mainly to promote employment and, at the same time, its position in new technologies.

As the sun rises on the east, the Dominican Republic awakens to the sound of ocean waves, its clear, pristine blue waters brushing up against the pure stretches of powdery-white sand, and swaying coconut trees complete the backdrop. A booming tourism industry fuels the region. The country is truly blessed. It is no wonder the Dominican Republic is the most popular destination in the Caribbean for Americans.

The capital city of Santo Domingo is the oldest city in the New World. A walk through the Zona Colonial, with its magical ambience and romanticism, is a must for every visitor. This one square mile boasts the hemisphere’s oldest European ruins from the days of the conquistadors, ruled in the 16th century by the family of its founder, Christopher Columbus. Though crammed with monumental architecture, it’s also a living, breathing city.

It’s not just the sights that make the Dominican Republic so outright absorbing and to many Americans, so addictive. In spite of the invasion of tourists, the Dominican Republic retains an attitude and personality that’s more full-bodied and distinctive than you’ll find in any other Caribbean nation.

TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE

Santo Domingo at rush hour. Like any major capital city, Santo Domingo is not immune to traffic. But in January 2009, the first subway system in the Dominican Republic and second in the Caribbean opened its doors. The Santo Domingo Metro is a rapid transit system, part of a major “National Master Plan” to improve the transport infrastructure in Santo Domingo as well as the rest of the nation.

Prior to the 1970’s, the Dominican Republic had a backward and crumbling infrastructure, ruined by decades of neglect and under-funding. How times have changed.

Today, the Dominican Republic’s infrastructure is second to none in the Caribbean. The government has designed a business model that favors the development of private sector investment in airports, ports and roads.

In keeping with its privatization agenda, the government sold control of its airports’ management to various foreign companies. The country’s main airport is Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo, run by Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI, or AERODOM, a Dominican Republic-based private corporation, with a 25-year concession to build, operate, and transfer 6 airports in the Dominican Republic.

To date, Las Americas International Airport is one of the largest in the Caribbean, handling over 3 million passengers per year through its air terminal.

Aerodom was acquired by the global private equity firm Advent International. The acquisition is the first leveraged buyout in the Dominican Republic, and underscores the confidence foreign investors have in the country.

The Cibao. The word the Taino indians used to describe the Central Cordillera mountain range in the Dominican Republic’s interior. These mountains move westward to Haiti, to underneath the ocean floor all the way to Cuba and Central America. In this fertile valley, snake most of the country’s main sources of renewable energy: water.

ENERGY

The energy sector in the Dominican Republic has always been a very sensitive subject. An ongoing concern is the inability of participants in the electricity sector to establish financial viability for the system. Due to low collection rates and infrastructure problems, distribution losses remain high. According to the World Bank, the revitalization of the Dominican economy depends greatly on a sound reform of the sector. Thankfully, things are looking up.

Three regional electricity distribution systems were privatized in 1998 via sale of half of its shares to foreign operators, and the government repurchased all foreign-owned shares in two of these systems in late 2003. The third, serving the eastern provinces, is operated by American concerns and is partly U.S.-owned. Flash forward to six years later, and there is still a lot of opportunity for partnerships between the United States and the Dominican Republic in the energy sector.

In 2006, by request of President Leonel Fernandez, the main players designed a comprehensive plan for the electricity sector that will last until 2012. This plan aims at achieving self-sustainability in the Dominican Republic.

So what is next for the Dominican Republic? As the world’s economic forecast for 2009 keeps getting bleaker and the United States keeps sinking into a recession, this nation of over eight million Dominicans in the heart of the Caribbean has an optimistic vision for the future. A challenging market indeed, but also the best place in all of the Caribbean to combine business and pleasure.

Uruguay. South America’s smallest Spanish-speaking country. Often overlooked by American tourists in favor of hedonistic Brazil and brash Argentina, this delightfully low-key and hospitable nation is, for those in the know, the continent’s best-kept secret.

Uruguay is a rare jewel in the region, a nation that is clean, safe, and peaceful. The best of Latin America in a small package.

What makes Uruguay the perfect holiday destination for Americans?

What are the quintessential experiences that make a trip here memorable?

Join us as we see the country through the eyes of the people that live there. US Television brings you Uruguay: South America’s best-kept secret.

BUSINESS AND CULTURE

Uruguay sits on the east coast of South America, south of Brazil and east of Argentina. Its capital city is Montevideo.

Known as “the Switzerland of America” for its high standard of living, Uruguay is closer to that of a developed country than one of the third world. Despite the economic troubles of recent years, Uruguay remains a proud and peaceful nation.

Uruguay serves as the administrative headquarters of Mercosur, South America’s leading trade union. Tax exemptions are given to certain companies based in Uruguay. Its geo-strategic location also makes the country an important transport and logistics hub, with a world-class port and logistics infrastructure.

Montevideo is Uruguay’s most vibrant city and its cultural heartland. With its waterfront location, worn-out skyscrapers straight out of Havana or Bucharest, and modern high-rise beach communities straight out of Miami, the city wears many faces.

Uruguay’s origins as a country are clearly European. Uruguayans are very individualistic and always insistent on differentiating themselves from the rest of the continent.

With an impressive living standard, high literacy rate, large urban middle class, and excellent social services, Uruguay has become a model for other developing countries in the region.

TOURISM

For its small size, Uruguay makes a big impression. Tourism is now becoming one of the country’s biggest foreign-exchange earners.

Uruguayans take barbecuing and food to unbelievable heights, much like their Argentinian neighbours. Many foreigners can attest to the fact that Uruguayan beef is the best in the world.

With hundreds of miles of coastline, there is a beach in Uruguay to fit your taste. And few resorts in the continent rival Punta del Este for glamour, an area that has become the new place to see and be seen.

Road infrastructure in Uruguay is surprisingly efficient, and one of the best ways to enjoy the country is to rent a car and take in some of the most relaxing and beautiful places in South America.

Despite the economic troubles of recent years, Uruguay remains a proud and peaceful

In the vastness of South America, a spectacular country stretches from the most barren of deserts to most frigid Antarctic frontier. Chileans believe that when God had finished creating the earth, there was a little of everything left, so God threw it down in a narrow strip and called it Chile. Embracing glacial wilderness and moonscapes, lakes and volcanoes, beaches and salt flats, this fantastically diverse country is not just a land of contrasts. It is the land of extremes.

But there is more to Chile than a kaleidoscope of panoramas. Chile offers something none of its South American neighbors have: a politically stable government and a highly developed economy.

What is the secret to this nation’s success, and how can Chile be an even more prominent player in the global stage?

How can this most beautiful of countries harness tourism to its fullest potential?

And can Chilean companies strike a positive balance between growth and environmental conservation?

A surprising country in more ways than one. This is Chile, a Latin American Success Story.

INTRODUCTION

Chile lies in the southeastern part of South America, between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, stretching for 2,604 miles and encompassing impressive climatic and geographical contrasts. It borders Peru and Bolivia to the north and Argentina to the East. Its capital city is Santiago.

Chile is a modern Latin American success story. Several reports and rankings by independent international institutions and sovereign rating agencies confirm Chile’s position as one of the most competitive countries in the world because of its dynamic and low-risk business environment.

Economic growth has been accompanied by low inflation and strong international reserves. This achievement is expedited by Chile’s commitment to economic liberalization and free-market policies, as well as of its pledge to maintain sound and responsible economic and political management.

Some 15.6 million people live in Chile, with one third of them in the capital, Santiago. The high professional standards of the Chilean workforce are a key factor in the international competitiveness of the country’s firms, with skills that have evolved in line with the demands of the country’s international integration. All of these are key factors that favorably impress foreign investors.

TRADE AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The Valle del Casablanca near Santiago, home to some of Chile’s most exclusive vineyards. Chile is one of the world’s leading exporters of fine wines, and is indicative of the fact that the country has a strong, export-oriented economy. In 2004, a free-trade agreement was signed between Chile and the United States.

Efficient transport and logistical infrastructure are all keystones of Chile’s export-driven development strategy, and are crucial in bridging the geographic distance that exists between Chile and other business centers throughout the world. And, within Chile, these services are equally important to ensure that all the country’s inhabitants share in the benefits of economic growth. A good example is Santiago’s spotless metro system, currently being upgraded by the Spanish concession company, OHL.

The private sector has participated actively in the development of public infrastructure, not only delivering rapid progress in an area that could otherwise have become a bottleneck for Chile’s economic expansion but have, at the same time, freeing fiscal resources for other social priorities, while opening up new opportunities for foreign and local investors.

HYDRO-ENERGY

Patagonia. Tucked away at South America’s southern frontier, where the great Andes mountain range takes one last, dramatic breath before plunging into the Pacific Ocean. The very name holds a fascination for many people, for it is here where nature, long left to its own devices, grows wild, barren and beautiful.

In northern Patagonia, the Carretera Austral Highway leads you to the region of Aysen, the final region in the country to be opened up to development in the early twentieth-century. Aysen remains very sparsely populated and still has the slight feel of a land untouched.

Chile is a land of breathtaking beauty but very limited energy resources. Chilean power companies have been forced to find new energy sources since Argentina began cutting natural gas exports to Chile in 2004. HidroAysen, a joint venture between Chilean power generators Endesa and Colbun SA, is proposing a solution of utmost importance to the country’s future energy supply.

But the project is not without its share of controversy, with detractors claiming this is a business that will bury large woods areas, will appropriate a natural resource, will interfere in tourism, and cause environmental damage, something HidroAysen is keen to address.

The HidroAysen project moves forward in a time where Chile faces an energy crisis and the need to increase its generation to meet the growing demand, expected to increase 5% annually until 2030. Truly a very interesting time for hydropower in Chile.

TOURISM

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Harshly beautiful, inhospitably dry, and compellingly vast. As desolate and otherworldly as it is, this region contains a wealth of superb attractions and is, along with Patagonia, one the country’s primary tourist magnets.

Chile is a country distinct from the rest of the continent and one that defies many people’s expectations. For once, the superlatives ring true. This is South America’s wild grandeur.