On November 19th, international relations students at Utah Valley University had the opportunity to listen to a representative from the rapidly growing nation of Brazil. Joao Alberto Graca— Special Advisor to the Minister of Labor and Employment of Brazil and a member of the Brazilian Committee of Investment Funds—spoke optimistically about Brazil’s future.
João Alberto Graça, Special Advisor to the Minister of Labor and Employment of Brazil at UVU (L)
During his visit to Utah Mr. Graca focuses his efforts on promotion of trade and economic relationships between Brazil and State off Utah. Guest from Brazil cited promising statistics such as a Brazilian GDP of $2.4 trillion—which accounts for nearly half of Latin American economic activity—and stable, consistent growth around 11.1%. Brazil has a consumer market of 201 million people, which according to Graca, is projected to grow to become the 5th largest consumer market by 2020. Graca spent the first quarter of his visit discussing these facts in a prepared presentation before opening up a discussion with the students.
Then people in the audience asked Graca a range of questions involving domestic issues in his country as well as international situations involving Brazil. When one of the students asked “what is the biggest internal problem, and what is the biggest international problem facing Brazil?” Graca responded in two parts—first stating that the greatest internal problem was government corruption. He went on to speak briefly about federal corruption in Brazil and the problems it is causing, and then referred to the many misconceptions about Brazil globally as the greatest international problem. Our fellow student Edward Spreen asked about the treatment of handicapped people in Brazil, and what the government does to help them. Mr. Graca responded by listing several programs aimed at helping educate handicapped individuals. He also brought up a specific case he had knowledge of—in which a deaf student who was not given a translator sued the school district and won.
UVU students during presentation of the VIP-guest from Brazil.
I left the event with a greater understanding of the amount of untapped potential Brazil and its emerging economy possess. Joan Graca radiated an excitement for Brazil’s future and seemed confident that it would continue to expand and grow exponentially for years to come.
Visit of dignitary from Brazil was arranged by the Office of International Affairs and Diplomacy at UVU led by Dr. Rusty Butler. UVU students appreciate efforts of Dr. Butler and his team to bring to UVU many VIPs and especially envoys of different nations accredited to the United Nations and the United States.
Jamie Nielsen, President, Foreign Affairs Club at UVU
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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14-12-09-Alex Nowjack Guest From Brazil
14-12-09-Darren Fafai Joao Graca Analysis
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