The campaign "anti nationalization" and the performance of key state enterprises (1965-85)

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of State Enterprises during the recent economic growth of Brazil, in relation to the on-going debate about the so-called "statization" of the economy. This debate, which has been promoted through the press for the last twelve years, is apparently a campaign on behalf of the entire private sector. This paper shows that most of the arguments used by the "anti-statization" campaign are refuted by the recent historical experience, and that despite the accusations state enterprises are still essential for the economic growth of Brazil. It also suggests that the campaign is more likely to represent a limited interest, instead of representing the private sector as a whole, as its animators try to present it.