Conference Brings Together Voices of Business From Across Latin America

Conference Will Address Challenges and Build on Opportunities for Continued Growth

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 16th annual Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA) Business Future of the Americas Conference begins today in Mexico City.  The event will bring together business executives and government leaders, including leaders of the 23 American Chambers of Commerce from throughout the hemisphere, to discuss key challenges facing the region.   The conference will feature keynote addresses by: the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderón Hinojosa; the Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Francisco Sánchez; and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Nides. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce serves as Secretariat for AACCLA.

“As the economies in the Western Hemisphere continue to grow, this conference plays a critical role in bringing the voices of business from across Latin America together to address challenges and build on opportunities for continued growth and partnership,” said Jose Orive, Chairman of AACCLA.  “By working together to boost hemispheric trade, promote energy independence, and increase intergovernmental cooperation, we can increase prosperity for the entire hemisphere.”

At the conference, AACCLA will present the “Eagle of the Americas” award to former President of Peru Alan García for his leadership as a champion of international trade and social inclusion. 

“President García pushed for the creation of the Arc of the Pacific and inclusion into APEC and TPP, and he was instrumental in ensuring the U.S.-Peru FTA was signed and implemented,” said Jodi Bond, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president for the Americas.  “Beyond positioning Peru as a major player in international trade, President García strengthened democracy in Peru, made significant reforms with regards to the rule of law, while also improving social inclusion—poverty levels decreased 17% during García’s time in office.”

Founded in 1967, AACCLA includes the 23 American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams) of Latin America and the Caribbean. Today, these 23 AmChams represent more than 20,000 companies and over 80% of U.S. investment in the region. Acting in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce - the world's largest business federation - AACCLA has become the premier advocate for U.S. business in the Americas.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.