TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2009

CORPORATE PROGRAM

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The Future of U.S.-Colombia Economic Relations and Cooperation

His Excellency Francisco Santos Calderón, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia

Since 2002, Colombia has transformed itself into a prosperous economy and a thriving democracy, poised to put decades of conflict behind it. The country has experienced tremendous economic expansion with an average of more than 5% GDP growth over the past six years, warranting the title of “economic reformer” by the World Bank. As a result of its increased economic standing, Colombia has emerged as an important player in South America and as a major U.S. trading partner. U.S.-Colombia bilateral trade reached $18 billion in 2007, making Colombia the United States’ fourth largest trading partner in the region, and the largest export market for U.S. agricultural goods in South America. Under President Uribe’s administration, the increasingly open market has given the government tools to implement change and to aggressively temper violence, battle narcotrafficking, and boost transparency. By embracing democratic governance and free markets, Colombia has begun to chart a new path for economic and political cooperation in the global economy. 

With the onset of a new U.S. administration, questions remain regarding how a U.S.-Colombia trade relationship will be defined and what the direction of U.S.-Latin America policy will be. Vice President Francisco Santos Calderón will provide his perspectives on opportunities for trade and investment and on areas of greater hemispheric multilateral cooperation.

His Excellency Francisco Santos Calderón is the Vice President of the Republic of Colombia and has worked directly with President Alvaro Uribe since 2002 to shape Colombian policy. Prior to his career in public service, Santos worked as a journalist for various Spanish language publications including El País, a Spanish newspaper, and El Tiempo, the largest daily publication in Colombia. During his work as a journalist, Santos harshly condemned the kidnappings and civil strife that had become commonplace in the country. His outspoken nature with respect to kidnapping no doubt emanates from his first-hand experience. In 1990, Santos and ten other journalists were kidnapped by Pablo Escobar, famed leader of the Medellin Drug Cartel, in an attempt to pressure the Colombian government not to extradite drug traffickers to the United States. Once released, Santos formed País Libre (Free Nation), an organization dedicated to helping kidnapping victims and their families. In addition to his work as a journalist, Santos taught U.S.-Latin American Relations at various Colombian universities and at Harvard University.

The Fairmont Hotel
200 North Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
Business Attire required

8:00 a.m. Registration and Networking Reception
8:30 a.m. Remarks and Q & A
9:30 a.m. Adjournment

Members $35
Nonmembers $45

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