OECD Outlook for Latin America: a new event in Madrid brings together economists and other experts to analyze the present and future of the region

The discussion took place on Wednesday, November 29 at the Simón Bolivar room of Casa América
 

Casa de América and the Economics Department in cooperation with the Directorate of Global Relations of the OECD (the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) presented the economic outlook for Latin America in a conference that took take place in Madrid and online. The presentation of the economic outlook was followed by a panel with the participation of leading experts from the region, who discussed the major challenges that Latin America faces.

After the pandemic, Latin America continues to experience an economic slowdown due to unfavorable domestic policies and external conditions, according to the OECD Economic Outlook. In the coming years, governments will face low economic dynamism and other structural challenges, but will also have the opportunity to take advantage of global trends in energy transition and digitalization.
 
This event was held in the context of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union and in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.
 
Program:

16.30. Reception.

17.00. Welcome and opening remarks.
- José Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain (to be confirmed).
- Luiz de Mello, Director of the Economic Department of the OECD.
- Enrique Ojeda, Director General of Casa de América.
 
17.10. Presentation on the OECD economic outlook for Latin America.
- Aida Caldera, Head of Division of the Economic Department of the OECD.
 
17.30. OECD presentation on the economic outlook by country.
- Brazil: Jens Arnold, Head of Division of the Economic Department of the OECD (Online intervention).
- Mexico: Alberto González Pandiella, Head of the Mexico and Costa Rica office of the OECD (Online intervention).
- Argentina: Elena Vidal, Economist, OECD Argentina Office (Online intervention).
- Colombia: Michael Koeller, Economist at the Peru and Colombia office of the OECD (Online intervention).
- Chile: Adolfo Rodríguez-Vargas, Economist, Chile office of the OECD (Online intervention).
- Peru: Paula Garda, Head of the Peru and Colombia office of the OECD (Online intervention).
- Costa Rica: Alessandro Maravalle, Economist, OECD Office for Mexico and Costa Rica (Online intervention).
 
17.50. Questions from the press.
 
18.15. Panel discussion: Great Challenges for Latin America.

Moderator: Luiz de Mello, Director of the Economic Department of the OECD.
- Gina Magnolia Riaño Barón, Secretary General of the Ibero-American Social Security Organization (OISS). 
- Andrés Allamand, Secretary General of the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB).
- Marta Blanco, President of CEOE International.
- Jorge Sicilia, Chief Economist of BBVA Group and Director of BBVA Research.
 
18.50. Closing remarks.
- Diana Montero Melis, Deputy Head of Unit for South America and Regional Programs. (Online intervention).
- José Antonio Ardavín, Head of Division for LAC, Directorate of Global Relations, OECD. (Online intervention).
 
19.00. Attendees are invited to join us for a cocktail reception hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
*Master of Ceremonies: Marta Encinas-Martín, Senior LAC Advisor, Global Relations Directorate, OECD.