Viewpoints Americas

Alberto Saracho Martinez, executive director of Fundación IDEA, uses the new Institutional Quality Index to show that economic growth and citizen well-being hinge on respect for basic freedoms. IDEA is one of 18 Latin American think tanks that came together to develop and recently launch the index.

Michael Bomba, a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin, sees the estimated $5.2 billion canal improvement project as a natural response to significant developments in maritime trade over the past two decades. A third set of locks will allow for increased ship traffic along this strategic waterway.

John Sheehan, a senior strategic analyst at the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, analyzes the long-term limits of greater biofuel use. Alternative energy topped the agenda at recent meetings between U.S. President Bush and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Otaviano Canuto, an executive director at the World Bank, believes biofuels may yield a triple dividend: greater energy security, a cleaner environment, and more economic development. For less developed countries, biofuels offer an outlet for using idle or underemployed human and natural resources.

Eduardo Vidal and Gustavo Laborde of the Latin American practice group at Hubbard & Reed LLP, emphasize the importance of democracies committed to equal protection under the law.

Stefan Krauter, chair of Rio World Climate and Energy Events, and Keith Parsons examine alternative energies in Brazil and throughout the Americas. Both large and small projects, including wind energy initiatives, will be critical to meeting energy demands.

Global Head of Equities at Grupo Santander Dario Lizzano believes 2007 will mark a fifth consecutive year of positive returns for regional equities and outperformance over both emerging and developed markets. Improvements in the region’s economic position are linked to both domestic and external factors.