While free trade has become unpopular in some parts of the world, the presidents of the Pacific Alliance trade bloc make the case for its benefits. Chile, Colombia, and Peru's presidents, along with Mexico's economy secretary, took on the subject at an AS/COA event on September 21 during their visit to New York for the 71st UN General Assembly. "Opening up economies has been extremely productive to the world," said recently elected Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. "We've had the best period of growth in the last 50 years."

In this highlights video of the panel, the leaders also discussed their hopes for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), as well as their views on the U.S. election. Mexico's Ildefonso Guajardo emphasized the importance of maintaining stable U.S.-Mexico ties, saying: "If we have to talk to the devil to guarantee the safety and future of the Mexican people in Mexico and the U.S., we'll talk to the devil."

• Watch the complete panel.
• Get the background on the Pacific Alliance trade bloc.
• Learn about TPP.
• Access information about COA's Trade Advisory Group and a series of fact sheets about trade.

Speakers:

• Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile
• Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, President of Peru
• Juan Manuel Santos, President of Colombia
• Ildefonso Guajardo, Economy Secretary, Mexico
• Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, Chief International Correspondent, CNBC (moderator)

In conjunction with the 71st UN General Assembly debate in New York, presidents of Chile, Colombia, and Peru, along with Mexico's economy secretary, came together to talk about investment and how to spur productivity and capital integration in their countries, while also touching on the possibility of a Donald Trump presidency and the political scenario in Venezuela.