Ministers from 33 Western Hemisphere Nations to Discuss Free Enterprise and Investment
On November 20, 2006, the U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez announced the first Americas Competitiveness Forum will be held June 11-13, 2007, in Atlanta. High-level government officials from each of the hemisphere’s 33 countries with democratically elected governments are invited to the forum to discuss how best to enhance the region's ability to compete more successfully in the global marketplace.
Atlanta was chosen as the location for the Forum for its commitment to competitiveness and its success in leveraging public-private partnerships to foster innovation and business development. Atlanta embraces best practices and seeks to be a best-in-class city. The Department of Commerce’s choice of Atlanta as the location of the first Americas Competitiveness Forum attests to Atlanta’s success.
“Atlanta has always welcomed people and commerce. Being selected as the location for the Americas Competitiveness Forum where officials from throughout the hemisphere will gather to discuss policies and strategies to promote free enterprise and attract investment speaks to our open doors,” said Mayor Franklin. “We know that the most successful negotiations are conducted in the spirit of friendship and mutual interest. We welcome our neighbors from Latin America and the Caribbean standing on the principles of civil and human rights which are Atlanta's heritage, and are resonant in the hearts of people worldwide.”
Topics for the Forum include: leveraging public-private partnerships to foster innovation; workforce development and education; and business facilitation/supply chain management. Additionally, private-sector representatives from the region, non-governmental organizations, and universities will be invited to participate.
The Forum is a direct result of the President’s recommendation to meet with leaders from each of the hemisphere’s 33 countries to discuss improving the region’s competitiveness following the Summit of the Americas in November 2005.
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