ACF Program Components and Collateral Meetings

Meeting of the Inter-American Competitiveness Network (IACN)

The IACN is a hemispheric mechanism to foster dialogue, cooperation, exchange of best practices and adoption of joint initiatives to strengthen and promote competitiveness in the Americas. The IACN was launched at the 2009 ACF in Santiago, Chile. The IACN consists of members representing governments, who in turn can appoint members of other public and/or private institutions. The Organization of American States (OAS) is the Technical Secretariat of the IACN and coordinates the participation of the following organizations: the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and the Andean Development Corporation (CAF).
www.compiteamericas.cl

Meeting of Ministers of Economy / Commerce

The Ministers of Economy, Commerce, Industry and Trade from the Hemisphere will meet to share perspectives on competitiveness, strategies for future growth and development, and regional cooperation. The work of the IACN informs the Ministers' meeting. Ministers will be invited to participate in a press conference following the meeting.

Working Group Meeting of “Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas”



Launched in 2008, Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas links Western Hemisphere countries committed to democracy and open markets in an initiative to promote inclusive growth, prosperity, and social justice.  Pathways’ Foreign and Trade Ministers meet annually to discuss new strategies that will ensure the benefits of economic recovery, growth, and open markets reach the most vulnerable and marginalized in societies across the region. Pathways will convene a working-group level meeting during ACF 2010.
www.pathways-caminos.org

Business to Government Meetings

The Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) will facilitate one-on-one and group meetings between interested businesses and foreign government officials participating in the ACF.

Business to Business Networking

ACF will facilitate business-to-business networking to promote export opportunities and other business partnerships.

Market Opportunity Sessions

ACF participants will hear first hand from foreign government officials about new and exciting trade and investment opportunities in the region.

Export Counseling Sessions

Trade experts from ITA’s U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service will provide export counseling sessions for interested and eligible businesses to learn more about export and business opportunities in the region. This service will be specifically marketed to small and medium-sized business.