Export Outlook Good In S. America Economic, Political Changes Set Stage For Improvement

Inland Northwest businesses that have focused their export efforts on Pacific Rim countries should look next toward South America, two U.S. trade officials suggested Thursday.

Michael Liikala and Miquel Pardo de Zela said the economic and political changes where they are posted, Argentina and Brazil, respectively, are indicative of reforms sweeping the region.

The shift from dictatorial, closed systems to democratic and open environments has created huge export opportunities, Liikala said.

Argentina has been identified as one of the 10 countries with the greatest export potential in the next decade, he said, noting that the U.S. also enjoys a substantial trade surplus with Brazil.

Liikala said average citizens of Brazil or Argentina are more aware than their U.S. counterparts of the necessity for their economies to become more competitive globally.

In response, the countries are stocking up on the latest U.S. capital goods to boost their productivity, he said.

Massive privatization efforts could increase exports if U.S. companies are able to purchase the state-owned assets, Liikala said.

He said many of those facilities will need upgrading, and likely some of that work would be subcontracted to smaller U.S. companies.

Pardo said the turnout for the Spokane Regional International Trade Alliance luncheon - almost 70 attended - illustrated the vast increase in interest over the 15 years he has been involved with government efforts to build export activity.

Although the Northwest’s focus on trade along the Pacific Rim is natural, he said, companies should look at other options, including South America.

“You’re ready to try on another pair of shoes,” he said.

, DataTimes