World leaders convene in Rome to discuss worldwide security. Latin American countries face challenges associated with rising food prices and seek measures to stave off a food crisis. An AS/COA update examines regional food production and supply issues.
North America
In an article for Viewpoints Americas, AS/COA President Susan Segal writes that, while free trade and NAFTA have taken the blame for manufacturing job losses in the U.S. Midwest, trade accounts for a substantial portion of U.S. growth that supports Midwestern manufacturing and agriculture.
FedEx Express' Juan Cento warns that the while Latin America has experience its highest economic growth rates since the late 1970s, poor transportation infrastructure and regulatory barriers "undermine the region's competitive strengths." He suggests the development of public and private sector partnerships to boost regional infrastructure.
At the AS/COA book launch for Can America Compete?, a panel including the publication's contributions and co-editor debated whether Latin America's growth is sustainable and will allow the region to to break the cyclical boom and bust pattern that has historically characterized its economy.
Speaking at the COA’s 38th Washington Conference, Minister Prentice highlighted opportunities to improve North American trade flow, boost infrastructure, and enhance energy security.
The Council of the Americas held the 38th Annual Washington Conference on the Americas on May 6 and 7, drawing together a selection of the region's most influential officials—including the presidents of the United States and Panama—to address the most pressing policy issues affecting the Western Hemisphere. Read more and access program summaries, as well as audio, from the conference.
In the absence of federal immigration reform and as immigrants settle in new destinations, U.S. states consider related legislation to an increasing degree. An economic slowdown and anti-immigrant laws affect Latino immigrants, who send fewer remittances home.