The challenges for Latin America

(Special, April 4, 2006).- The Andean Development Corporation (CAF), together with the magazine Latin Finance and the Merrill Lynch Investment Bank organized another breakfast-debate for politicians, business leaders and bankers of the region under the title "The economic and political challenges of Latin America." The event took place during the annual meeting of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) which this year was held in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte.

The objective of CAF, Latin Finance and Merrill Lynch was to promote an enriching debate with the theme "The political and economic challenges of Latin America." Commenting on the breakfast in which over 300 bankers, investors and economists from the continent participated, CAF president & CEO Enrique GarcÍa said: "it is the meeting point for bringing together leaders of the region and exchanging opinions and view on the current situation."

On this occasion the list of panelists included Felisa Josefina Miceli, Argentine minister of Economy and Production; Fernando Zavala Lombardi, Peruvian minister of Economy and Finances; Martin Redrado, president of the Central Bank of Argentina; José Luis Escrivá, BBVA chief economist; José Luis Machinea, ECLAC executive secretary; James Quigley, president of Merrill Lynch International; and Guido Mantega, president of BANDES. The debate was moderated by Enrique Garcia.

The participation in the debate not only of the panelists but also of the attendees was encouraged with a view to hearing the opinions and comments of the region’s economic and political decision-makers. This event has gained prestige over years as a platform for discussion on the situation and the prospects for the future.