Who:   His Excellency Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the United States

What:  “Brazil’s Leadership in a Global Economy”

When:   Tuesday, June 3, 2008
6:00 p.m. - Presentation and discussion

Where:  The Fairmont Chicago
200 North Columbus

Ambassador Antonio de Aguiar Patriota will speak about Brazil’s emergence as a world leader in food production, energy, and trade to an audience of The Chicago Council on Global Affairs on Tuesday, June 3.

Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America with an accelerating growth rate of 5.4% last year, is poised to expand its regional influence and leadership to become a world political and economic power, particularly in the areas of energy, food production, and trade. Brazil’s total trade volume exceeded $270 billion in 2007, including over $50 billion in bilateral trade with the U.S., its top trade partner. Ambassador Patriota will outline the profound global implications of Brazil’s burgeoning economy.

Ambassador Antonio de Aguiar Patriota was appointed Brazilian Ambassador to the United States in February 2007. Prior to his selection as Ambassador to the United States he served as Under Secretary General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Relations. He has worked extensively overseas, including posts in the Brazilian Embassy in Beijing and Caracas, Brazil’s Delegation to the U.N. Security Council, and Brazil’s Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEWS MEDIA:  Members of the news media are encouraged to preregister for this event.  Please e-mail Hugh McMullen at hugh@vdcom.com or call (312) 408-2580 ext 15.  Photo identification or press credentials required.