Program Summaries

U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson

Latin America is “at a crossroads” marked by the struggle between competing futures, according to Colombian Minister of Defense Juan Manuel Santos. This clash will shape internal and external geo-politics for years to come, forcing the United States to pay close attention to engagement with its friends.

COA was honored to name Representative Gregory W. Meeks with the Chairman's Award for Leadership in the Americas at the opening of the annual Washington Conference. After accepting the speech, the congressman urged trade liberalization advocates to help add more voices "to the chorus singing the praises of global trade."

At the Miami launch of the latest issue of Americas Quarterly, a panel moderated by Miami Herald columnist Andrés Oppenheimer examined Latin American social mobility and hemispheric trade policy, as well as Cuba’s economic outlook following Raúl Castro’s accession.

AS/COA’s second microfinance roundtable discussion provided an opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities for expanding its outreach in Latin America. The sector has favored a commercial approach as Latin American microfinance moves beyond the distribution of loans.

At a COA book launch, panelists shared scientific, political, and historical insights into the Panama Canal’s construction. Matthew Parker, author of Panama Fever: The Epic Story of One of the Greatest Human Achievements of All Time provided context for the discussion through his historical overview beginning with the colonial era.

AS/COA’s March 11 Latin American Cities Conference in Mexico City featured President Felipe Calderon, Finance Secretary Agustin Carstens. Panels included Wall Street analysts and senior-level executives, who assessed Mexico's current business climate, economic outlook, and investment opportunities.