One Deal Down, Two to Go

Tuesday, December 11, 2007  |  Carin Zissis

U.S. and Peruvian heads of state met Friday to sign a a bilateral trade deal. But U.S. Congress remains reluctant to move forward on free-trade pacts with Colombia and Panama. At a recent COA event, Colombian Minister Luis Guillermo Plata emphasized that a trade agreement would support stability and prosperity in his country. ... Read More

Argentine Inaugurations

Friday, December 7, 2007  |  Carin Zissis

South American heads of state converged in Buenos Aires Sunday for the launch of Banco del Sur, a project hatched by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. The bank's birth marked Argentine head of state Nestor Kirchner's last day in office before the inauguration of his wife, Cristina. During a September AS/COA event, she discussed Argentina's economic recovery. ... Read More

Which Way for Constitutional Reform?

Thursday, December 6, 2007  |  Carin Zissis

After Venezuela's rejection of a new constitution, attention turns to other Latin American attempts at reform, particularly in Bolivia and Ecuador. Plagued by protests, Bolivia's constitutional reform remains in doubt. Venezuelan Ambassador Bernardo Álvarez Herrera and President Rafael Correa of Ecuador discussed constitutional reform at AS/COA events. ... Read More

Venezuela Votes "No"

Wednesday, December 5, 2007  |  Carin Zissis

In a Sunday referendum, Venezuelans narrowly rejected sweeping constitutional changes. President Hugo Chavez, suffering his first electoral defeat since gaining office in 1998, accepted the loss "for now." AS/COA’s Latin America Conference featured a discussion panel on the referendum. ... Read More

Representative Crowley on Trade and Social Justice in the Americas

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Speaking at AS/COA's 7th Annual Latin America Conference, New York Congressman Joseph Crowley emphasized the importance of trade and investment for boosting U.S. relations with Latin America. "We are finally waking up to the importance of economic and social development in our own neighborhood," said Crowley. ... Read More

U.S. Senate Approves U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Passage

Tuesday, December 4, 2007  | 

The U.S. Senate passed the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement December 4 by an overwhelming majority of 77-18. The Senate’s approval , along with the House of Representative’s strong vote last month, signals Congress' committment to providing a fair and favorable business climate that will provide jobs and economic growth in both countries. ... Read More

Assessing Hemispheric Trade: The View from Washington

Tuesday, December 4, 2007  |  Eric Farnsworth

Speaking at the James A. Baker Institute for Public Policy, COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth argued that trade and investment expansion serve as "the most effective means we have to support growing democracy in Latin America." ... Read More

U.S. Congressional Update: December 2007

Friday, November 30, 2007

U.S. President George Bush hosted Peruvian President Alan García for the signing of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement on December 14 after the deal won overwhelming approval in the Senate. Bush has called on Congress to now take action on the Panama and Colombia agreements. ... Read More

Mexico Update: December 2007

Friday, November 30, 2007

Marking the conclusion of President Calderon’s first year in office, the AS/COA looks back at his accomplishments and challenges ahead in the new year. Opinion polls give the President a higher rating than that of his predecessor at the same point in time. ... Read More

Annual Latin America Conference: Social Development in the Americas and Venezuelan Constitutional Reform

Friday, November 30, 2007

On November 30, AS/COA welcomed former Presidents José Sarney and Alejandro Toledo at the annual Latin America Conference. Panels focused on promoting social and economic development in the Americas as well as Venezuela's vote on constitutional reform. ... Read More