The 2008 Americas Competitiveness Forum will facilitate an interactive discussion on important drivers of national competitiveness:

Trade Logistics
Priorities and strategies for improving trade logistics are vital to increasing the competitiveness of companies in the Western Hemisphere. The trade logistics track will highlight how public and private stakeholders develop progressive policies that improve logistics operations and financing, mitigate supply chain risk to ensure reliable and responsible sourcing, and foster the implementation of environmentally sound best practices.

Representatives from leading companies will highlight how improvements in trade logistics will facilitate the movement of goods and services across borders and increase trade and investment in the Americas. Panelists will have the opportunity to share public and private sector experiences in operating and financing cross-border supply chains, as well as offer assessments and solutions for trade logistics in the Americas.

Market Opportunities in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Resources
The global energy mix is changing. While hydrocarbons will continue to dominate the world's fuel mix for the foreseeable future, energy source diversification is key for our hemisphere's long-term economic health and competitiveness. This track will facilitate insightful industry discussions on the growing role of alternative and renewable energy sources in meeting our hemispheric energy needs.

Alliances in Business and Education
The lack of appropriate education has consistently been cited as one of the biggest obstacles to improving the region's ability to compete more successfully in the global economy. There is a clear need to identify creative, flexible partnership models between governments, industry and the academic community. These relationships can develop marketable technologies and foster entrepreneurial activity that will enhance economic growth and opportunities throughout the Americas.

The ACF 2008 will focus on the role that partnerships between the business community and academia could play in enhancing economic competitiveness, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The track will examine how the most innovative countries have commercialized research through partnerships between universities and the private sector.

Travel and Tourism in the Americas
Travel and tourism is a major contributor to the gross domestic product of many economies in the Americas and, in several cases, is a leading export, employer and driver of infrastructure development. This track will explore key issues facing travel and tourism industries in the Americas. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from leading experts on sustainable tourism development, small and medium tourism enterprises, and travel and tourism policies in the region.

Increased tourism activity and traveler behavior have led to a greater focus on maintaining the balance between the economic, environmental and socio-cultural impacts of tourism development. The challenge to governments in the Americas is to identify the appropriate sustainable practices, infrastructure, and policies to support each country's travel and tourism development initiatives. Tourism Ministers from the Americas will discuss how their industries are using product diversification and linkages other economic sectors to drive competitiveness.

 

 

For more information or questions on the agenda please contact Alysia Wilson at 202.482.5327