Contributions from Carin Zissis
Wall Street's September 29 tumble sent shockwaves through Latin American markets, which saw recovery on Tuesday. Officials in several countries, particularly Brazil, maintain that their economies stand better prepared for crisis than in the past as a result of lower public debt and diversification of export markets.
In a September 25 speech hosted by AS/COA, Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner outlined positive steps in her country in recent years, including a drop in unemployment, one of Argentina's longest periods of economic growth, and a focus on important sectors ranging from technology to energy.
In a September 24 event, leaders from 11 countries in the Western Hemisphere launched the Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas initiative, providing a forum to deepen trade ties and cooperation. U.S. President George W. Bush urged congressional action on pending trade deals with Panama and Colombia.