The theme for 2012 is "Connecting the Americas; Partners for Prosperity". Discussions will centre on the role of physical integration and regional cooperation as a means of achieving greater levels of development.
Leaders will consider how greater integration will help them overcome regional challenges in several key areas including reduction of poverty and inequality, improving citizen security, and dealing with disasters and access to technologies.
The last Summit of the Americas was held in Trinidad and Tobago in 2009.
Persad-Bissessar hopes to reinforce her efforts for greater South-South cooperation in economic investments and trade through her participation in this year’s Summit.
“I see this as a great opportunity for Trinidad and Tobago to partner with our neighbours in the Caribbean and the Americas in the expansion of trade and investment opportunities. We have much to learn and although our nation may be small, we certainly have much to offer to the world,” she said in a media release.
Her first official engagement in Colombia will be the CEO Summit where she will join her colleague female leaders, Portia Simpson-Miller of Jamaica and Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla to discuss the topic education and development.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the President of Guatemela, Otto Pérez Molina, President of the US Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Donahue and US Congressman, Connie Mack.
The Trinidad and Tobago includes Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine and Surujrattan Rambachan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communications.
On her way home Persad-Bissessar will top in Panama for discussions with Panamanian officials. The Prime Minister is due to return to Trinidad on Wednesday 18th April 2012.
Finance Minister Winston Dookeran will act as PM during Persad-Bissessar's absence.
No comments:
Post a Comment