Foreign diplomats, business executives and professors will
gather to debate the current economic and political state of Latin
America at the fourth annual Latin American Conference, sponsored
by the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
The conference comes at a significant time when nations such as
Brazil, Argentina and Peru have been hard hit over the past few
years due to economic crises, political scandal and the fall in the
global economy.
Put on by the Latin American Business Association, the event
will feature Ambassador of Chile to the United States Andrés
Bianchi, who will discuss the future of the Chilean economy.
Other presenters include Raúl Muñoz Leos, CEO of
Mexican firm PEMEX, and highly esteemed UCLA faculty such as
Sebastian Edwards, a professor in International Management at the
Anderson School and economics Professor Arnold Harberger.
Favorable business climates in nations like China and India have
taken away the competitive advantages of Latin American
countries.
Although there are questions about the future of Latin
America’s economy, there are many opportunities for the
region to still grow and succeed, according to Miguel Brinkman,
president of the Latin American Business Association and chief
organizer of this year’s conference.
He points to the strengths of the region’s major
industries, including oil, natural resources and tourism.
Latin America presents unique business opportunities to
investors, Brinkman said, adding that the United States’
economic recovery will assist the continent.
The Latin American Business Association, a student-run
organization consisting of 35 members, has helped organize the
event since October of last year. The association anticipates a
turnout of 200 people.
This year, the association has worked to promote the conference
not only to students, but to the entire UCLA community and the city
of Los Angeles.
Brinkman said he believes the event will be a success.
“We hope our efforts have raised awareness about Latin
America and about the conference, and that they lead us to a
successful conference,” he said.
Ticket prices for the conference are $10 for faculty and
students and $30 for the general public, including lunch.