Governor Brian Schweitzer will be traveling to Brazil Nov. 4-12 with a group of state policymakers for an international exchange hosted by The Council of State Governments (CSG). Schweitzer is the 2011 president of CSG and the trip is being funded by CSG.
CSG hosts international exchanges to give policymakers the chance to forge new ties and gain a unique perspective on how to deal with the challenges facing all countries.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to see first-hand economic development, research and energy development in one of the fastest growing economies in the world,” Governor Schweitzer said. “Brazil is an emerging leader in wind and other renewable energy development. Policymakers need to learn from and adapt the best ideas, regardless of where they originate.”
“This year’s delegates will explore prospects for collaboration on energy, urban planning and development,” said David Adkins, CSG’s executive director.
Participants will visit the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange and experience first-hand how Brazil pursues economic development. They’ll also explore how the Brazilian government balances the challenges of promoting regional autonomy and innovation, while addressing national policy priorities.
Policymakers will explore the renovation of Sao Paulo, the Brazilian capital markets and industrial market, and a research institute in the Amazon. They also will see how the country is preparing for its time in the spotlight, the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The Council of State Governments is the oldest and largest non-profit association of state government leaders in America, tracking trends and advocating innovative solutions since 1933. CSG is the only national association which includes all three branches of state government and which also maintains regional offices throughout the country to ensure that policy debates are informed by regional conditions and national consensus positions.
