8:30-9:00

Registration and welcome coffee

9:00-9:10

Opening remarks

Introduction:

• Lorenzo Pavone, Head of Unit, Partnerships and Networks, OECD Development Centre (acting)
• Ángel Melguizo, Head of Unit, Latin America and Caribbean Desk, OECD Development Centre

9:10-9:45

Session 1: Public institutions as an effective catalyst for business opportunities

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

• Ariel Sigal, Chief of Staff, Ministry of the Treasury, Argentina
• J. Welby Leaman, Senior Director, Global Government Affairs, Americas, Walmart
• Luís Guastini, Director General and President, ManpowerGroup Argentina

9:45-10:00

Coffee and networking break

10:00-11:00

Session 2: Enhancing regional competitiveness through effective business regulations

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

• José Juan Haro, Director, Latin America Public Policy and Wholesale Business, Telefónica
• Carlos Gascó Travesedo, Senior Advisor, International Corporate Affairs Directorate, Iberdrola
• Andrea Escobedo Lastiri, Senior Professional, Government and Regulatory Affairs, IBM Mexico
• Arnaud Erbin, Senior Vice President, Director of the International Department, ENGIE

11:00-12:00

Session 3: Capitalising on the growing middle class

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

• David Tuesta Cárdenas, Minister of Economy and Finance, Peru
• Ana Giros, CEO Latin America and Executive Vice President Industry Markets and Key Accounts, Suez
• Laurent Scheer, Vice President, Public Affairs France, Pernod Ricard
• Karim Antonio Lesina, Vice President, International External Affairs, AT&T

12:00-12:15

Concluding remarks

• Mónica Aspe, Chair of the Development Centre’s Governing Board and Ambassador of Mexico to the OECD
• Mario Pezzini, Director, OECD Development Centre; Special Advisor to the OECD Secretary-General on Development

12:15-14:15

Lunch

14:15-18:45

Participants are welcome to join the 10th International Economic Forum on Latin America and the Caribbean starting at 14:15

18:45-20:00

Cocktail for LAC Forum participants – EMnet attendees are cordially invited to join