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.

With the latest Doha Round ending in failure, Latin American nations should seek out further trade ties to the Asia-Pacific region, advise Osvaldo Rosales of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and COA's Eric Farnsworth.

During his acceptance speech for Americas Society’s Gold Insigne, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke optimistically about his country’s emergence as a global player saying, “Brazil finally has found its destiny and intends to transform itself into a great nation.” 

“Brazil has all the proper conditions to help respond to the many challenges that the world confronts in the twenty-first century," said Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during his acceptance speech for Americas Society’s Gold Insigne.

Pesident Luiz Inácio da Silva's prepared remarks delivered at the Americas Society/Council of the Americas after accepting the AS Gold Insigne award.

On September 17, the COA hosted a panel discussion on Capitol Hill to discuss the pending Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Panama. The forum provided an opportunity to analyze the future of trade links between the two countries.

AS/COA hosted its annual conference in Lima on September 4, featuring a remarks by President Alan García, Prime Minister Jorge del Castillo, and Foreign Affairs Minister José Antonio García Belaunde. Read a summary of the event.