Goldstein: Many Latin American countries are doing quite well compared to how they’ve performed historically. A lot of that is being fueled by commodities. They’ve had natural resources that are in demand as global economies such as China grow.

The funds that many of these Latin American countries are generating are looking for alternative investments outside of their own country. They still view the United States as one of the safest places for those alternative investments. To the extent that they’re looking northbound to the United States, I suspect that South Florida in particular will be the place they’ll look.

LeClaire: Why will they look to South Florida?

Goldstein: A comfort factor. When they come here there is obviously a significant population already on the ground that certainly is comfortable with Spanish. Secondly, there’s typically a base of people from many Latin American countries that have moved here over the years. Columbia has a significant population. Venezuela has a significant population. Brazil has a significant population, etc.

LeClaire: I am hearing more about investments from Asia. What are you seeing?

Goldstein: You have Asian countries now—China, South Korea, the Philippines, etc.—that are also looking to break into the Latin American market with respect to their business interests. Those countries also feel that South Florida is a comfortable gateway for them to proceed with future investments into Latin America.

LeClaire: So it comes back down to Miami as the Gateway of Latin America.

Goldstein: That’s right. Part of the difference at this point in time is that you do have Latin American economies that are doing quite well and a number of them are doing quite well at the same time. There is a general belief that things in the United States are not nearly as high-priced as they were used to historically. Latin American currencies are going up in value and they view certain types of acquisitions in the United States to be a relative bargain. Separate and apart from what’s called the pure economic drivers, when you talk to people they enjoy coming to South Florida.

LeClaire: Are you seeing a lot of cash deals from foreign investors?

Goldstein: When foreign investors are coming inbound into the United States, they are capable of closing on deals without the type of financing that’s otherwise not available.

LeClaire: So do you expect an increase in foreign investment into South Florida in 2011?

Goldstein: I am expecting a significant increase in foreign investment. The question is to a certain extent what the timing will be for that increase—whether or not it’s in the next six months or 12 months or 24 months. I wish I had that crystal ball handy. But over the next, let’s call it a two-year time frame, l expect a significant increase in foreign investment in the US.