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Past Event

A Conversation on the Future of Central America: The Challenges and Opportunities of Infrastructure and Energy

Central America is a region with great economic potential, but to improve productivity levels and achieve successful integration into the global economy, Central American countries must dramatically increase their investment in infrastructure. The isthmus could see further economic gain from investment in the power grid and the development of clean energy.

On December 1, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings and the Central American Bank for Economic Integration hosted a discussion on the opportunities open to Central America and the role of the public and private sector in the development of infrastructure and energy projects. Two panels of experts examined these issues, followed by a keynote address by José W. Fernández, assistant secretary for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.

After each panel, speakers took audience questions.

Agenda

9:00 AM -- Introduction

Kevin Casas-Zamora

Former Brookings Expert

Director, Programa Estado de Derecho, Diálogo Interamericano

9:15 AM -- Panel 1: Opportunities and Challenges for Infrastructure in Central America

Kevin Casas-Zamora

Former Brookings Expert

Director, Programa Estado de Derecho, Diálogo Interamericano

K

Karla Hernández

Regional Manager, Central American Electrical Interconnection System

10:45 AM -- Panel 2: The Energy Challenge for Central America

Álvaro Umaña

Senior Research Fellow, EfD-Central America Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center

12:15 PM -- Keynote Address

Kevin Casas-Zamora

Former Brookings Expert

Director, Programa Estado de Derecho, Diálogo Interamericano

J

José W. Fernández

Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP - Former Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs

More Information

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(202) 797-6105

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