Emerging Markets Today Ana Paula Picasso

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This is the last encore episode of 2023!
In the face of the possible border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana, I decided to repost the episode I recorded with Steven Jasmin, the Managing Director of SC3. Stephen has been deeply involved in Guyana since 2017 and has some fascinating insights about this rapidly growing nation.

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

Guyana's Transformation: Since the discovery of oil in 2015, Guyana has been on a remarkable journey of growth. It's projected to have a real GDP growth rate of 4346%.

The Qatar of South America: Steven believes that Guyana has the potential to become the "Qatar of South America" and the world's fastest-growing economy. This bold claim is backed by the country's massive oil reserves and its strategic location.

Investment Opportunities: Guyana's growth isn't just about oil. There are significant opportunities in infrastructure development, eco-tourism, and real estate. Plans are underway for a massive deepwater harbor and a road or rail network connecting Guyana to Brazil.

The Future of Guyana: Despite its small population, Steven predicts an influx of people due to its status as the fastest-growing economy.

For more on Smart City Clearing Company Ltd.(Sc3) click here

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Another encore from one of my favorite episodes!

We talked about the little known country of Suriname. Our guest, Monique Pool, founder and director of the Green Heritage Fund Suriname, shares her insights and experiences with her journey into the wildlife conservation.

Here are my three biggest takeaways from the episode:


Urbanization is having a significant impact on Suriname's wildlife, particularly the sloths. Monique and her team are working tirelessly to save these animals and their habitats.


The Green Heritage Fund Suriname is exploring innovative funding models, such as tree sponsorships and land purchases, to support their conservation efforts. They are also open to collaborations with individuals and organizations who have the necessary skills and resources to help them achieve their goals.


Monique envisions a future where Suriname's economic development is balanced with the preservation of its natural resources and wildlife. This requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and local communities.



Learn more about Monique and the Green Heritage Fund Suriname here

You can contact them here

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This is an encore episode!
In 2021, I had the pleasure of interviewing Vinh Ho, an American entrepreneur and host of the podcast "Focus Asia Pacific". We talked about Vietnam's economic growth and its emergence as a rising star in Southeast Asia.


Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:


Vietnam's Tech-Savvy Youth: Vinh shared his admiration for the young generation in Vietnam. Their tech-savviness is driving the country's startup ecosystem and the rise of mobile payments.
Opportunities Amidst Chaos: Vinh believes that where there is chaos, there is potential for improvement and better offerings. He sees Vietnam as the "wild west" of opportunities, a stark contrast to the complacency often found in the West.
China vs Vietnam: We discussed the differences between China and Vietnam in terms of technology and mobile payments. Interestingly, Vietnam's reasonable wages, which are one-third the price of China, make it an attractive place for businesses.
Vihn's Journey: He shared his personal journey of moving to Vietnam and his passion for the country's business and manufacturing opportunities. As a sourcing agent, he's helping companies navigate this vibrant landscape.



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This episode is an encore!

The year was 2021, in the middle of the Covid pandemic and I interviewed Carlos Kazuo Missao, and he was the director of the GFT Group in Brazil. This episode captured all the changes the fintech sector was going through (and still is).

Here's a sneak peek of what we discussed:

The Brazilian Fintech Landscape: Brazil is a hotbed for entrepreneurs and interconnected individuals, making it an exciting environment for fintech. The pandemic has even accelerated digital transformation in the financial market, leading to the success of challenger banks and digital wallets.

The Power of PIX: We discussed the new instant payment solution, PIX, launched by the Brazilian central bank. It's revolutionizing payments in Brazil, with over 2 billion reais transferred in the first month alone!

The Rise of Digital Wallets: Digital wallets have thrived in Brazil as a cheaper way to handle digital money. They've become marketplaces where users can transact money between companies and access consumer financial services.

Banking the Unbanked: We touched on the issue of unbanked individuals in Brazil, and how digital wallets and light apps with financial services are reaching this population. The pandemic has even led to a surge in the number of people becoming banked overnight.

Open Banking Revolution: Carlos shared his insights on the importance of open banking regulation in Brazil, aiming to democratize access to financial services and create a more competitive environment.

Carlos believes that this is just the beginning for the fintech sector in Brazil. With the country's entrepreneurial spirit, the availability of technology, and supportive regulations, the future looks promising.



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This is an encore episode!

Last year, I had the pleasure of chatting Ian Herbison, the CEO of the Speyside Group. We had a very insightful conversation about India's potential in the emerging markets, and I'm excited to share some key takeaways with you.


India's Golden Decade: Ian and I discussed the buzz around India's golden decade, highlighting the country's growing domestic market and its increasing importance in global supply chains. With a large consumer base and a growing middle class, India is attracting foreign investment and playing a key role in the diversification of supply chains away from China.


Semiconductors and the Digital Economy: We delved into the significance of semiconductors in the digital economy and the current tensions between China and the West. Ian highlighted India's role in securing the global supply of semiconductors, mentioning the partnership between the Vedanta Group and Foxconn to establish a mega factory in Gujarat, India.


India's "Make in India" Strategy: We touched upon India's "Make in India" strategy, which aims to attract foreign investors while promoting the use of Indian-manufactured products. We also discussed the need for infrastructure investment in India and the involvement of domestic and foreign companies in this sector.


Digital Innovation in India: Ian highlighted India's unique approach to digital payments, including the development of a national digital payments system. We also discussed the complexities and challenges of doing business in emerging markets, specifically focusing on India.


Political Stability and Economic Growth: We compared India to other emerging markets like Brazil and Southeast Asian countries, noting that India's political stability is a crucial factor for economic growth.



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