"With innovation, developing countries can find new ways to compete. But getting there requires improving citizens' access to information," writes Sebastián Mendoza Garrido, chief strategy officer for Panama's Container Consultants & Systems, in the Winter 2010 issue of Americas Quarterly.
In the latest issue of Poder, COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth reflects on U.S-Latin American relations since the 1989 invasion of Panama. “The United States has the right to expect others to hold up their end of the bargain,” he writes, saying the Obama administration’s move toward a cooperative approach deserves Latin American reciprocity.
Council of the Americas organized an October 29 bipartisan discussion on Capitol Hill concerning the role of trade in building stronger partnerships, economic and job recovery, and broad-based development in the Western Hemisphere.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper marked the first visit by a Canadian premier to Panama by inking a trade deal with President Ricardo Martinelli. Writes Canadian Senator Pamela Wallin: "Washington’s diminishing interest in trade liberalization has served as an opportunity for Canada to pursue new markets and show world leadership on free trade."
With trade a hard sell in Washington these days, it's time for the White House to actively support a free trade agreement with Panama, argues COA's Eric Farnsworth in Poder. The election of businessman Ricardo Martinelli as Panama's new president demonstrates the country's commitment to global commerce as a means to economic growth.
On May 3, Panama's voters chose a business leader who chaired the Panama Canal Authority over a former housing minister from the party currently in power. As the winner, Ricardo Martinelli will oversee the country as it faces economic challenges and a multi-billion dollar expansion of the canal.
In an AS/COA Online interview, Eric Farnsworth lays out what Panama's May 3 presidential election could mean for the country’s economy and for bilateral relations with Washington. He explains that Ricardo Martinelli, who leads in polls, “has always been able to navigate the very complicated relationship with the Unites States.”
