Summary of AACCLA's February 25 Virtual Outlook on the Americas Conference
Thursday, February 25, 2021
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
On February 25, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA) held its 2021 Outlook on the Americas Conference, our first major hemispheric business event of the year, where AACCLA Leaders and business executives met virtually to examine economic and political issues impacting hemispheric trade and investment. To view the recording of the event, please click here. AACCLA Chair Jose Luis Sanchez opened the conference and provided welcoming remarks for all attendees.
On February 25, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA) held its 2021 Outlook on the Americas Conference, our first major hemispheric business event of the year, where AACCLA Leaders and business executives met virtually to examine economic and political issues impacting hemispheric trade and investment. To view the recording of the event, please click here. AACCLA Chair Jose Luis Sanchez opened the conference and provided welcoming remarks for all attendees.
H.E. Victor Bisonó, Minister of Industry, Commerce and SMEs of the Dominican Republic; H.E. Ramón Martínez, Minister of Commerce and Industry of Panama; and H.E. José Manuel Restrepo, Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism of Colombia participated in a panel discussion focused on trade and the economic relationship in the region for 2021, moderated by AACCLA Executive Vice President Anne McKinney. Minister Bisonó highlighted the Dominican Republic's efforts to position the country as a key trading partner with the United States. Minister Martínez discussed Panama's economic reactivation efforts and specifically spoke about efforts to provide support and improving the business climate for multinational corporations operating in the country. Minister Restrepo emphasized that Colombia's key priority is to guarantee civilian vaccination and prepare for safe reactivation, while looking to prioritize intraregional and international trade, the renewable energy sector, and infrastructure projects as key drivers for economic growth post-pandemic.
Millicom CEO Mauricio Ramos was joined by Neil Herrington, U.S. Chamber Senior Vice President for the Americas, for a fireside chat focused on Digital Transformation and Priorities in Latin America and the Caribbean. “The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that now, more than ever, digital connectivity should be at the core of all priorities – from healthcare, to education, government services, and far beyond,” said Millicom CEO Mauricio Ramos. “This will not change any time soon. But in order for this to become a reality, there is a need for a modern, flexible, and widely accepted regulatory framework for telecommunications, which can give the industry the necessary space to act as a fundamental engine when contributing to the reactivation of economies.”
Marcelo Cabrol, Social Sector Manager at the Inter-American Development Bank joined the Outlook on the Americas conference to discuss the IDB’s COVID response in the hemisphere and the pandemic’s effect on the region’s health sector. Specifically, he discussed the bank's efforts to support countries in Latin America and the Caribbean on vaccine distribution, acquisition and financing mechanisms, as well as other critical health interventions. He was joined by U.S. Chamber Senior Fellow for the Americas Erin McConaha.
Conference attendees were able to hear from the World Bank's Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean, Martin Rama, who provided a regional economic outlook. While acknowledging the region's difficult challenges both in terms of health and the economy, Mr. Rama noted positive developments for the year ahead, including an uptick in international trade. Similarly, the digital transformation accelerated by the pandemic provides new opportunities to improve productivity, and reduction of red-tape and corruption. He also noted that countries need to strengthen their business environment and be credible partners to attract foreign direct investment. He was joined by AACCLA Executive Director Isabel Quiroz.
The event concluded with closing remarks from AACCLA Chair Jose Luis Sanchez, who shared highlights of this year’s Outlook on the Americas Conference, and invited attendees to take part in the AACCLA B2B/Networking Event, taking place on April 20-22, 2021 in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank’s ConnectAmericas Platform. Thank you to our attendees for their participation in the success of AACCLA's 2021 Outlook on the Americas Conference.
