The American Dream Still Exists
OPINION COLUMNISTSBUSINESSECONOMY
Over these 40 years, I’ve witnessed countless political, cultural, and economic transformations that have shaped this giant. Yet, it remains the dream of more than 70% of the world’s population, who aspire to live and develop their businesses in this land of opportunity.
For more than five decades, I have been dedicated to helping international companies seeking opportunities in my home country, Brazil. I’ve had the privilege of consulting for renowned firms such as General Electric, Cummins, 3M, Black & Decker, Tetra Pak, TNT, Adidas, and Kodak, among many others.
Forty years ago, I expanded my activities to the United States. Since then, we have solidified our presence, working not only with some of these companies here but also focusing on businesses from various countries looking to internationalize and globalize.
Over these 40 years, I’ve witnessed countless political, cultural, and economic transformations that have shaped this giant. Yet, it remains the dream of more than 70% of the world’s population, who aspire to live and develop their businesses in this land of opportunity.
While other countries have faced significant downturns—Cyprus shrank by 30%, Mexico by 20%, Switzerland by 6%, and Italy by 4%—the U.S. has continued to grow. Although inequality in wealth distribution has increased in places like Brazil (16.8%), India (16.25%), and Singapore (22.9%) between 2008 and 2023, the United States saw a decrease of 2.4%.
In terms of investment, Brazil lost 28.3% of foreign investments in the past two years, while the U.S. still holds 60.5% of the total market. From 2013 to 2023, 62% of millionaires who emigrated chose the U.S. as their destination. In 2024, the country welcomed 3,800 new millionaires, while England lost 9,500, China 15,200, and Brazil 800.
The U.S. accounts for 56.7% of global equities, while China holds only 4.6%. In terms of global GDP, the U.S. represents 24.2%, China 17.7%, Japan 5.7%, Germany 4.6%, and Brazil, the largest in Latin America, just 1.6%.
What do successful individuals seek when establishing themselves in any country? Personal safety, institutional security, a reliable financial system, fair taxes, a comfortable retirement, business development opportunities, quality education, and a strong healthcare system. Generally, the United States provides these conditions, presenting a significant challenge for both natives and immigrants striving for competition and success.
However, it's essential to emphasize that the U.S. is not a destination for amateurs or adventurers. This is a country that demands competence, boldness, and prudence. Intelligence and humility in seeking knowledge and assistance are crucial for development and success.
With 40 years of consulting in this country, I’ve observed that most failures stem from the arrogance of entrepreneurs who, due to their prior experiences, believe they possess the knowledge necessary to succeed. However, the United States consists of 50 different legal frameworks and cultures that can vary significantly from one county to another. California and Florida, for instance, can be as different from each other as the U.S. is from Somalia in certain respects.
The American Dream still exists, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if the right precautions are not taken and actions are not implemented correctly.