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.

Top Cuban experts see no change in sight, despite Raul Castro's formal ascension to power. The COA program examined the new leader's likely priorities and the island's ties with the international community.

At AS/COA's first Latin American Cities Conference in Panama City, speakers and panelists—who included the president and vice president—discussed the future of Panama in the global economy; the growing economic relationship between Panama and the United States; and the role of infrastructure, technology and competitiveness in Panama’s economy.

AS/COA Miami's recent program on Brazil's outlook gathered experts to evaluate Brazil’s recent advances, analyze how the approaching municipal elections will impact growth, and consider the possibility of an investment grade credit rating.

Peru expects thousands of visitors in conjunction with hosting the 2008 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. On February 11 and 12, AS/COA held programs in Washington, DC and New York to discuss Peru's economic growth and outlook, the economic opportunities for business in Peru, and the growing importance of APEC in the world.