AS/COA hosted Steve Reifenberg, author of a new memoir Santiago's Children covering his time working at a Chilean orphanage in the 1980s, at a panel discussion about the political and economic scenario in Chile from the early 1980s through a period of political reconciliation.

Following the release of first quarter indicators and news of record FDI rates, several Latin American countries showed capacity to weather global economic volatility. But analysts warn of slower growth in the coming year. 

At the AS/COA book launch for Can America Compete?, a panel including the publication's contributions and co-editor debated whether Latin America's growth is sustainable and will allow the region to to break the cyclical boom and bust pattern that has historically characterized its economy.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez called for passage of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and improvements in Cuba’s human rights at COA's annual Washington Conference on the Americas. He announced a May 21, 2008 White House event to “shine a spotlight” on political prisoners in Cuba.

Panama's president described how Latin America finds itself at an intersection between sustainable prosperity and challenges such as the global food crisis. Highlighting the Panama Canal expansion project as an opportunity for national dialogue, Torrijos voiced support for open markets and democracy.

Peru's Finance Minister Luis Carranza Ugarte spoke at COA's 38th Washington Conference on the Americas, discussed his recent impressive growth as well as the obstacles to consolidating such gains. “Only through poverty reduction will we be able to consolidate our democratic system," said Carranza.

With a focus on North American collaboration, Canada’s Minister of Industry Jim Prentice highlighted opportunities to improve cross-border trade flows, boost infrastructure, and enhance energy security during his remarks at COA's Washington Conference.