Author: Mario Marconini

Mario joined Teneo with more than 25 years of experience in government, business and academia in the United States, Europe and Latin America.

Mario started his career in the banking sector in Geneva before joining GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) in 1988 to support the first ever multilateral negotiations on trade in services during the Uruguay Round. He assisted more than 50 countries with their services liberalization offers – a crucial element in the success of the round.

In 1996, Mario joined Brazil’s Minister of Finance, Pedro Malan, as Deputy Secretary for International Affairs at Finance, where Mr. Marconini served as Chief Services Trade Negotiator for the Free Trade Agreement for the Americas (FTAA) and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).

In 1998, he assumed the role of the Foreign Trade Secretary, Brazil’s highest-ranking trade post in government, where he spearheaded a de-bureaucratization program and revamped import-licensing procedures. In this role, Mario earned the highest award for government service in Brazil from President Fernando Henrique Cardoso: Commendatory of the Order of Rio Branco.

Since 1999, Mario has assisted companies, governments, business associations, international organizations and other institutions and stakeholders on matters relating to corporate affairs, institutional and government relations, trade and investment, market and regulatory intelligence. He has also intermediated and developed business on behalf of clients from around the world in ventures in Brazil and Latin America. He served as the Brazilian Counsel in the U.S.-led advisory team to the regional aircraft manufacturer Embraer in its WTO case against Bombardier.

Prior to joining Teneo, he presided over ManattJones Marconini Global Strategies, a strategic international consultancy affiliated to Manatt, Phelps and Phillips. Alongside his consultancy, Mario was the Executive Director of Brazil’s newly created Center on Foreign Relations (CEBRI) from 2001-2005.

In addition to his role at Teneo, Mario is the Director for International Negotiations at the Federation of Industries of the State of Sao Paulo (FIESP), Brazil’s most prominent industrial association, and the Vice President of CECOMÉRCIO, a commerce and services center, comprising more than 600,000 member companies established in Brazil. He is a member of the Council on Global Trade of the World Economic Forum, Geneva, and of the Advisory Board of the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE), Brussels.

He holds an M.A. in economics from the Graduate Institute of International Affairs in Geneva, an M.A.L.D. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and an M.A. in political science from Illinois State University. He is an associated professor at the School for Advanced Advertising and Marketing Studies, a top business school in Brazil, and an academic advisor at the Rio Branco Diplomatic Academy at Brazil’s Ministry of External Relations (Itamaraty).

BRAZIL: Pandemic report less harmful than the economy for Bolsonaro

BRAZIL: Pandemic report less harmful than the economy for Bolsonaro 1

The 1,178-page report presented on 20 October by the rapporteur of the Senate inquiry (CPI) into the pandemic, Renan Calheiros (PMDB-AL), is unprecedented. Indictments were requested for more than 65 people in relation to 12 crimes. At the top of the indictment list is President Jair Bolsonaro, followed by both his current and previous health […]

LATAM: Pandemic status and outlook

LATAM: Pandemic status and outlook 2

Covid-19 caseloads have been dropping across Latin America and the Caribbean in recent weeks. During October, South America has accounted for under 6% of new global daily cases versus 35-40% in June. The improving picture is encouraging but there are several challenges facing the region in the weeks and months ahead. Progress Vaccine rollout : […]

LATAM PULSE

LATAM PULSE 3

This week, Chile marks two years since the outbreak of protests just as the constituent assembly born out of that unrest starts to debate the content of a new constitution. In Peru, a new stage of Pedro Castillo’s presidency opens up as his party appears to be submitting to new realities. In Brazil, this week […]

BRAZIL: Tax reform surfaces amid legislative profligacy

BRAZIL: Tax reform surfaces amid legislative profligacy 4

President Jair Bolsonaro has been uncommonly discreet since his official apology to other branches of government for his frequent attacks against them two days after the pro-government protests on Independence Day, 7 September. Congress was already distancing itself from the government when the president was incendiary but has found yet more space to lead its […]

LATAM PULSE

LATAM PULSE 5

This week, Mexico‘s electricity sector counter-reforms are in the legislature, where they could muffle recent speculation about the battle to eventually succeed President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO). Political tensions in Peru are rising. In Ecuador, talks between the government and the powerful indigenous movement are taking place. In Chile, the pension withdrawal debate moves […]

LATAM PULSE

LATAM PULSE 6

This week, Peru‘s government is in another muddle of its own making – this time over a threat to nationalize natural gas resources – while Congress will keep the Pedro Castillo administration on the backfoot. In Mexico, energy policy in the downstream sector returns to the political spotlight, while monetary policy will be under renewed […]

BRAZIL: Congress to lead on policy as President focuses on narratives

BRAZIL: Congress to lead on policy as President focuses on narratives 7

President Jair Bolsonaro’s controversial speech at the UN shows his continued need to focus on narrative-building as opposed to actual governing. Congress has occupied the vacuum, though significant differences of approach prevail between House and Senate. Budget challenges are forcing the government and Congress to seek common solutions. President Jair Bolsonaro’s 21 September speech at […]

LATAM PULSE

LATAM PULSE 8

This week, Argentina has a new cabinet after Vice-President Cristina Fernandez (CFK) flexed her political muscles in the wake of the 12 September mid-term primaries. In Brazil, a report from the Senate inquiry into the government’s handling of the pandemic will be released. Chile sees its first presidential debate two months ahead of the first-round […]

BRAZIL: Bolsonaro weaker after protests but early exit threats not in sight

BRAZIL: Bolsonaro weaker after protests but early exit threats not in sight 9

President Jair Bolsonaro’s political situation is worse after the Independence Day (7 September) protests that he encouraged. The crowds were impressive in both Brasilia and Sao Paulo, the two cities where he chose to deliver speeches. Over the weekend preceding the events, the president went on social media to speak of peace and harmony – […]

LATAM PULSE

LATAM PULSE 10

This week, in Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro is aiming for a show of force in a day of protests. Argentina holds its primaries ahead of November’s mid-terms. In Colombia, the new tax reform – the third such initiative under President Ivan Duque – goes to congressional votes this week. Ecuador is also gearing up for […]