Good morning! We’re covering today the most-recent twist in Brazil’s quest for OECD membership (and in Trump – Bolsonaro relations). The lack of internet connection is the main hurdle for the development of Brazil’s agribusiness. And Rio de Janeiro’s water crisis. (This newsletter is for premium subscribers only. Become one now!)
OECD: Trump comes through for Bolsonaro
The U.S. government has decided to support Brazil’s bid to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), ahead of neighbors Argentina. The move is a win for President Jair Bolsonaro, who has sought closer ties with Washington as a validation to his own administration. U.S. President Donald Trump had promised support for Brazil in March 2019, but later chose to place Buenos Aires and Romania ahead of the queue.
Why it matters. The OECD has often been called a “club of rich countries” and membership essentially serves...