Overview of AMBA Countries

Along with Canada, the countries represented in the Americas MBA for Executives are Brazil, Mexico and the United States. The four countries collectively represent the largest economies in North and South America – and an increasingly dynamic and interconnected region for trade and economic activity.

Brazil

Brazil is Latin America’s giant in every sense of the word. Brazil’s highly diversified and industrialized economy is the largest in Latin America, and the 8th largest globally. The country has mature manufacturing, mining and agriculture sectors and rapidly expanding technology and services industries. It is also home to the most sophisticated and diversified science, technology and innovation system in Latin America. Having made important economic reforms over the past few years, Brazilians are now reaping the benefits of new-found stability and growth. After 16 years of economic stability and relatively little impact from the global financial crisis, Brazil’s economic fundamentals are strong. As with Canada, Brazil is experiencing rising commodity exports and an overvalued currency, driving up the price of its manufactured exports.

Read more from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (PDF)

Mexico

Over the past two decades, Mexico has made impressive progress in transforming itself from an oil-dependent, protectionist nation into a modern, diversified economic player that is increasingly integrated into the North American economy and the world. The country has opened up to competition in seaports, railroads, electricity generation, natural gas distribution, airports and, to a certain degree, telecommunications. Key challenges for the country include further opening of the energy and telecommunications sectors, enhancing the competitiveness of Mexican enterprise, attracting foreign investment and investing in the country’s human capital and physical infrastructures. Mexico’s reforms are opening up opportunities for Canadian companies across a broad range of sectors.

Read more from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (PDF)

United States

The United States remains the largest and wealthiest economy in the world. U.S. consumer demand for goods and services is considerable, even in light of recent economic downturn. The American manufacturing sector is one the world’s largest and its demand for high-quality manufacturing inputs is also strong. The U.S. is one of the world leaders in science and technology, accounting for one third of global research and development spending among OECD members (OECD 2010, Main S&T indicators, vol. 2010/11). It represents the primary source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Canada. Given the many global enterprises with a U.S. presence, the U.S. market provides Canadian companies with excellent access to global value chains.

Read more from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (PDF)

Canada

Long recognized for natural resources (oil, natural gas, metals) and agricultural products (among the largest ag-biotech sectors by revenue), Canada’s G7-leading economy is driven by enterprising people with the education and expertise to produce profits. Fuelled by R&D and supported by business-friendly policies, Canada’s business climate nurtures innovation and enhances economic growth. Ranked #1 among OECD nations in higher educational achievement, #1 place to do business in the next five years and #1 in ease of doing business in the G7 (Economist Intelligence Unit), Canada has many competitive advantages in its people, sound governance and tax structure, low inflation, and strong scientific research.