Born In Blood and Fire is a contemporary history of South America. The book’s title also characterizes the ongoing economic and political problems the region seemingly cannot escape from. However, South America is, and will remain, a very viable region for most U.S. companies. The region’s countries and markets are growing, a strong middle class continues to develop, and little by little the region is moving itself forward.

Fortune 1 is long term bullish about South America. The Mercosur trading block, made up of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay includes South America’s two largest economies. The Andean community consisting of Peru, Ecuador, Columbia and Venezuela, although experiencing political and economic strife are strategic markets with good long term potential. Connected to both of these trading areas is Chili, an outstanding exception in the region. Chili’s small size too often under emphasizes its investor friendly economy and political environment.

South America’s problems create excellent opportunities for expanding into these countries. The region also offers a low cost base, and the convenience of working in only two primary languages – Spanish and Portuguese.