OECD EMnet Business Meeting on Latin America
EMnet Business Meeting on Latin America
“Investment and Confidence through Stronger Institutions”
28 May 2018
Venue: Room Bloche Lainé – French Ministry for the Economy and Finance – Paris, France
8:30-9:00 Registration and welcome coffee |
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9:00-9:10 Opening remarks |
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Introduction: Lorenzo Pavone, Head of Unit, Partnerships and Networks, OECD Development Centre (acting)
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9:10-9:45 Session 1: Public institutions as an effective catalyst for business opportunities |
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According to the Latin American Economic Outlook 2018, the region is undergoing a modest recovery after a two-year recession. However, potential trade tensions, episodes of corruption and public safety considerations can hinder the development of a favourable investment climate. Public institutions can play a crucial role to enhance the level of business confidence that underpins a virtuous cycle of investment, growth and opportunities, particularly during times of transition. Moderator: Ángel Melguizo, Head of Unit, Latin America and Caribbean Desk, OECD Development Centre
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9:45-10:00 Coffee and networking break |
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10:00-11:00 Session 2: Enhancing regional competitiveness through effective business regulations |
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Labour productivity has decreased by 1.5% in Latin America since 2015, lagging behind other regions like Emerging Asia. At the same time, large skill shortages persist as 4 in 10 firms in the region have difficulty finding adequately skilled workers Effective business regulations, particularly in innovative sectors, are essential to enhance regional competitiveness, increase foreign investment, reduce skills mismatches and support firms’ implementation of strategic priorities. Moderator: Mónica Aspe, Chair of the Development Centre’s Governing Board and Ambassador of Mexico to the OECD
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11:00-12:00 Session 3: Capitalising on the growing middle class |
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The share of Latin American’s population living in poverty dropped from 42% to 24% from 2002 to 2013. The rise of the middle class, which today represents more than a third of the citizens, has been one of the region’s major positive socio- economic transformations in recent times. These trends are fostering a more demanding and sophisticated consumer class. It will be crucial for businesses and public institutions to address the needs of this evolving demand. Moderator: Lourdes Casanova, Senior Lecturer and Director, Emerging Markets Institute, SC Johnson School of Business at Cornell University
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12:00-12:15
Concluding remarks |
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12:15-14:15
Lunch |
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14:15-18:45 Participants are welcome to join the 10th International Economic Forum on Latin America and the Caribbean starting at 14:15 |
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18:45-20:00 Cocktail for LAC Forum participants – EMnet attendees are cordially invited to join |