AACCLA Honors Former Colombian President Uribe with ‘Eagle of the Americas’ Award

‘President Uribe Understands the Importance of Free Trade When it Comes to Growing an Economy and Creating Jobs,’ Donohue Says

WASHINGTON, DC—The Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA) today awarded former President of Colombia Álvaro Uribe Velez the “Eagle of the Americas” award for his leadership as a champion of political and economic freedom. The honor was presented during AACCLA’s annual Forecast on Latin America and the Caribbean Conference today at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which included a discussion about trade relations, the state of business in the Americas, the rule of law, and sustainable business models in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“President Uribe’s unwavering commitment to an open Colombian economy and long-term vision for the country has had a remarkable influence on the Western Hemisphere,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber, while presenting the award. “His commitment and ability to forge a strong partnership with the U.S. business community should serve as a model for countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. President Uribe has proved the importance of free trade when it comes to growing an economy and creating jobs.”

The “Eagle of the Americas” award was established by AACLA in 1993 to recognize an individual in either the public or private sector who has done the most to advance their mission of increased trade and investment between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean. Previous recipients include: former President of Chile Ricardo Lagos, business statesman David Rockefeller, former White House Chief of Staff Thomas F. “Mack” McLarty III, former Congressman Sam Gibbons, and the late U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown.

“President Uribe is being honored for his leadership and the integral role he played on trade issues, including negotiation of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement,” Donohue said. “The “democratic security” initiatives promoted during his presidency placed Colombia on a path toward greater economic development, increased security, higher employment, and increased growth and opportunities.”

Founded in 1967, AACCLA joins together 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.

# # #