South America: Has Its Time Finally Come on the World Stage?

International Roundtable

February 18, 2010: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

To Americans, South America has traditionally conjured up images of coups, revolutions, and bananas. With the ascent of Brazil as a BRIC country, the spotlight is increasingly on the region's natural resources, such as oil in Venezuela and Brazil, iron ore in Argentina, and copper in Chile.

Where

Gleacher Center
608
450 Cityfront Plaza
Chicago, Illinois

Event Details

To Americans, South America has traditionally conjured up images of coups, revolutions, and bananas. With the ascent of Brazil as a BRIC country, the spotlight is increasingly on the region's natural resources, such as oil in Venezuela and Brazil, iron ore in Argentina, and copper in Chile. Some analysts argue that Brazil's hosting of the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 reflects the region's ascendancy. Other analysts see only more instability, citing the leftist policies of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela and narco-trafficking in Colombia. Are the presidents of Brazil and Venezuela the new power brokers of the developing economies as the global economy recovers? Are the pending foreign trade agreement with Colombia and the recent election in Chile establishing new guideposts for the USA's commercial, trade, and economic relations with the region? Jose F. Gomez will survey key aspects of the US - South American relationship in a historical and contemporary context, and assess whether US - Colombian relations are a key indicator and case study for the region as a whole.

Cost

No Charge

Registration

Register Online

Deadline: 2/18/2010

Program

6:00 PM-6:30 PM: Networking

6:30 PM-8:00 PM: Presentation

8:00 PM-9:00 PM: Drinks at The Midway Club, Fifth Floor

Speaker Profiles

Jose F. Gomez (Speaker)
International Business Consultant and former Consul General of Colombia in Chicago

Jose F. Gomez brings unique perspective and valuable insight to developments in South America due to his experience in the Colombian diplomatic service and in the private sector. As Consul General of Colombia in Chicago during the term of President Pastrana and the first year of President Uribe's government, Jose Gomez was an articulate spokesman for an economic development strategy that became known as Plan Colombia. In his presentations to diverse stakeholders throughout the Midwest, Gomez presented the merits of Colombia as an attractive investment destination for American companies. At the end of his assignment in Chicago, Gomez returned to the private sector and was instrumental in leading business development initiatives for an Illinois firm into both South America and Colombia. With both strategic vision and tactical pragmatism, Gomez assesses the current situation and the trajectory of events in the region.

Questions

Karl Buschmann 
Chairman
847 310 0412

Other Information

NOTE ON PARKING: 300 East Illinois Street (AMC Theater-River East Self Park Garage) $6.00 after 3:00 pm on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday for a 12-hour period Garage: Self Park Facility Payment: Automated; at pay-stations by cash or credit card or upon exit pay by credit card only. To receive discounted rate: There is a card validator at the first floor security desk of the Gleacher Center. You will only need to insert your parking card in the validator and the new price will be automatically applied. When you leave the lot you will be charged for the lower $6.00 fee.