As part of its Asia-Latin America initiative, AS/COA co-hosted with the Asia Society a forum to discuss Asian Perspectives on Latin America. This report offers a summary of remarks by Chinese Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong and Chilean Ambassador Mariano Fernandez, as well as analysis of deepening Pan-Pacific trade and business relations with an eye to APEC 2008 in Peru.

While a U.S.-Peru bilateral agreement moved forward in Congress, the Council of the Americas brought together Ambassador John Veroneau of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Colombia's Minister of Trade Luis Guillermo Plata. Speakers emphasized the need for congressional approval of a trade deal with Colombia, a key U.S. ally in the hemisphere.

AS/COA hosted its second annual Latin American Cities Conference in Lima, focusing on Peru's investment climate, energy and mining policy outlook, trade policy and prospects, and APEC Peru 2008. 

Chile is a competitive alternative to India for information technology services, according to speakers at a recent program co-hosted with the Chilean Economic Development Agency.

AS/COA hosted an October 11 luncheon discussion with Brazilian governors Wilma M. de Faria, Cássio Cunha Lima, and Roberto Requião to talk about opportunities in the areas of biofuels, tourism, infrastructure, environmental policies, and social development.

Unlike previous economic shocks, more stable regional economies may help insulate Latin America from global market volatility. At a recent AS/COA roundtable, experts emphasized the importance of continued surpluses and improved international reserves to short-term debt ratios. 

Speakers at our fourth annual Latin American Cities Conference in Chile noted the country's continued high rates of investment, growth, and employment. However, they warned that sustained growth depends on social integration and improvements in education and information technology.