Future of the Western Hemisphere: Investing in Women, Technology and Global Supply Chains

For this event we were pleased to collaborate with leaders including Jessica Bedoya, Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Watch the program HERE.

Jessica Bedoya delivered her keynote remarks on the generational opportunity that near-shoring presents for the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, and how the IDB is working to fully realize the potential.

Jessica Bedoya also presented the Bank's plan launched in March 2021 to achieve sustainable and inclusive recovery and growth in the region, Vision 2025, and address a range of related topics and IDB initiatives. To address these topics, our globinar included the keynote followed by a roundtable discussion with women leaders from the region who discussed:

• The major challenges and opportunities for the western hemisphere beyond 2021.
• Gender equity to build women leaders of the future.
• Energy hubs in the region.
• The role that technology plays in shaping the future of business entrepreneurship and trade.
• Changes in the workforce and what this means for supply chains and emerging technology.
• The nearshoring of global supply chains to steer post-pandemic strengthening of regional economies.
• Shaping the future of the western hemisphere as countries in the region face COVID related economic stagnation, gender inequality, climate related disasters, and crisis related migration.

IDB wrote in a recent blog about how global value chains (GVC's) are essential to modern trade. GVCs allow nations to increase productivity through specialization. Yet Latin America and the Caribbean’s participation in GVCs remains low (18%) compared to Asia (28%) and Europe (34%).

The paradox of the COVID-19 crisis, with its lockdowns and production disruptions, is that it has taken a toll on trade while providing Latin America and the Caribbean with new opportunities to increase its participation in GVCs.

As companies around the world seek protection from disruptions by diversifying their supplier base, companies operating in the region could benefit by complementing or replacing some of foreign companies’ pre-COVID suppliers. The COVID-19 crisis could also represent an opportunity for the region and its exporters to increase their resilience to disruptions by deepening regional trade integration.

The question is what makes greater resilience and deeper participation in GVCs possible. To answer that question, the chapter on trade in the 2021 IDB Macroeconomic Report evaluates the performance of the region’s exporters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the characteristics behind firms’ performance allow us to draw policy implications that may be helpful in shaping the region’s economic recovery.

The tools developed by the IDB seek to strengthen Investment Promotion Agencies, improve the physical and digital infrastructure of trade, and make progress toward the pending agenda of modernization and harmonization of trade agreements and regulatory and normative frameworks.

Every dollar invested in export promotion programs generates up to US$45 in additional exports. IDB studies indicate that a 10 percent reduction in international freight costs from Latin America and the Caribbean would boost export values by at least 30 percent and increase exported products by 25 percent within the region and to the United States.

Speakers

KEYNOTE -

• Jessica Bedoya, Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer, Inter-American Development Bank

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION -

• Paul Griebel (Moderator) - Executive Director, World Strategic Forum
• Jessica Bedoya -Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer, Inter-American Development Bank
• Alix Moyron - Commercial Director, ProPanama
• Iris Palma - Co-founder, NextServices
• Donaji Montes Estrada - CEO, InTechNational
• Jen Diaz - CEO, Diaz Trade Law

Agenda

1:00

Welcome by Lynare Robbins, Director- Global Chamber Miami

1:05

Keynote from Jessica Bedoya, Chief of Staff to the President, IDB

1:15

Roundtable discussion: Paul Griebel (Moderator); Jessica Bedoya (Chief of Staff, IDB); Alix Moyron (Commercial Director, ProPanama); Iris Palma (Co-founder, NextServices); Donaji Montes Estrada (CEO, InTechNational) & Jen Diaz (CEO, Diaz Trade Law)

2:00

Q&A (Conducted by Paul Griebel, Moderator)

2:10

Closing Remarks & Partner Announcements

2:15

Event Concludes

Biographies

Jessica Bedoya is the Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). She has extensive leadership experience in international affairs and policymaking and a track-record of successfully coordinating with the private sector across Latin America and the Caribbean. Prior to joining IDB, Ms. Bedoya spent 15 years in the U.S. government, most recently serving as Managing Director for the Western Hemisphere and Senior Advisor to the CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). At DFC she led strategic business development in Latin America and the Caribbean and identified finance and investment opportunities of up to $1B in agriculture, infrastructure, and technology. To further development policy priorities, Ms. Bedoya worked closely with senior U.S. and foreign government officials, coordinated with domestic and multilateral development finance institutions and expanded DFC’s private sector co-financing partners. From 2018 to 2020, Ms. Bedoya served as the Deputy Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the National Security Council (NSC), where she created and directed U.S. policy priorities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Ms. Bedoya strengthened bilateral relationships by increasing the U.S. presence in the region and expanding economic growth opportunities. In addition, as a regional expert she advised the National Security Advisor and led execution of América Crece (Growth in the Americas), which catalyzed private sector investment in Latin America and the Caribbean. Prior to her time at the NSC, Ms. Bedoya served in the foreign policy and U.S. intelligence community informing, advancing and implementing policies across the Western Hemisphere. She mobilized international support for key initiatives by working with leaders from governments and the private sector. Additionally, she worked at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia and has worked in Haiti and the Eastern Caribbean. Ms. Bedoya holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Politics and International Economics from the George Washington University, a Master of Arts in World Politics from the Catholic University of America and studied political science at the Sorbonne in Paris. She speaks English, Spanish and French.

Paul Griebel serves as the Executive Director of the World Strategic Forum, a forum developed by the International Economic Forum of the Americas. In this role, Paul develops of the growth strategy of the event, which brings together, on an annual basis, public and private sector thought leaders from around the world to discuss issues related to the global economy. His work includes attracting new corporate and institutional partners to support the forum; promoting the event on the local and international level; and providing insight regarding themes and topics in the development of content that will be of greatest interest to the forum’s 1,400-plus attendees. Prior to this role, Paul spent two years as a Director of Economic Development at the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, managing projects and initiatives related to the Life Science and Healthcare industry sector. Key efforts in this area include the expansion, retention, and recruitment of a wide array of life science companies to the Miami-Dade area, with an overarching goal of creating new jobs in the County. Paul’s background in international economic development began in early 2015, when he commenced serving as the Associate to the President and CEO of Enterprise Florida and Florida Secretary of Commerce Bill Johnson. Prior to his role at Enterprise Florida, Paul served as Cargo Development Coordinator at PortMiami, Miami-Dade County’s second largest economic engine, where he worked with international cargo and logistics clients. Paul earned his bachelor’s degree at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and earned a master’s degree in International Administration at the University of Miami.

Donaji Montes Estrada is the CEO and founder of Inationalional LLC, a​ consulting firm based in the Silicon Valley that helps technology businesses with their international business and projects. Donaji is a bilingual and bicultural professional with 14 years of experience working with technology companies. Donaji worked for The US Mexico Foundation for Science Inc, in the Technology Business Accelerator program (TechBA) in Arizona and Silicon Valley. Donaji holds a BA in Management and Business Administration from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, a University of Cambridge Diploma on Strategic Roadmapping, and a Global Innovation Leadership Workshop Diploma from Stanford University.

Alix Moyron is the Commercial Director of ProPanama, a private trade agency that specializes in equipping foreigners with all the tools and expertise they need to conduct business, live and/or invest in Panama. They collaborate with a specific and selected group of experts who advise them, and their clients based on their areas of expertise.

Iris Palma is the co-founder and business director of Next Services. She was the first female leader of the Salvadoran Chamber of Information and Communication Technologies and, among other recognitions, she is TedXSpeaker, a member of the Ibero-American Public Leadership Program of the Ibero-American General Secretariat, a member of the Latin American Network for Digital Transformation and a fellow of the Professional Fellows Program of the United States Department of State. She is a founding member of FUSADES and Ambassador of Open Knowledge International.

Jennifer Diaz is President and Founder of Diaz Trade Law, Jennifer (Jen) Diaz is a Chambers ranked, Board Certified International Attorney specializing in customs and international trade. For more than 15 years, Jen has provided legal advice and customized training on import and export compliance to industry, with a strong record of success in mitigating federal administrative enforcement actions. Jen has received many accolades from the legal community, including being recognized by “Super Lawyers” as a Top International Attorney, having an AV rating of “Superb,” and serving as President of the Organization of Women in International Trade (2018-2019). A frequent media commentator, Jen has authored book chapters, journal articles, and other articles for The Florida Bar, the American Bar Association, Bloomberg Law, and others. Jen is Editor of “Customs & International Trade Law” a blog recognized by the U.S. Library of Congress as being an important part of the legal historical record.

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About Global Chamber®: The Global Chamber® is a growing, global community of CEOs, executives, and leaders in 525 metro regions around the world, everywhere... focused on helping companies grow within and across metropolitan areas. It is the only organization in the world with hundreds of locations that helps executives grow sustainable business through warm connections and virtual services. While using artificial intelligence (AI) across a deep and wide network of talented exporters, investors, and global resources to help them grow business, the vision is a world where doing cross metro and cross border business is as easy as selling across the street. The Global Chamber provides members with trusted connections, training and information helping members connect with customers, partners, and experts to grow across metros and borders.

Lynare Robbins is the Director of the Global Chamber® Miami. She is a veteran of the United States Navy and serves on the Florida Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, an organization which promotes bipartisan support for international development and diplomacy to strengthen national security and foreign relations. Lynare holds an Associates in Arts in Behavioral Science, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and Masters degrees in Human Behavior and International Relations & Conflict Resolution. She has conducted research work to identify how technology and innovation can promote equality and equity. She is the founder and president of Robbins Global Innovations, a boutique international relations consultancy firm specializing in communications & strategic relationship building, research & policy, curriculum development, global networking and internationally driven programs and events. Lynare was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium by Commissioner Eileen Higgins (District 5) and she serves on the Board of Directors for Care Resource and the United Nations Association- Miami Chapter.

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In Partnership With

About the Inter-American Development Bank: The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) works to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through financial and technical support for countries working to reduce poverty and inequality, the IDB helps improve health and education, and advance infrastructure. Their aim is to achieve development in a sustainable, climate-friendly way. With a history dating back to 1959, today the IDB is the leading source of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean. They provide loans, grants, and technical assistance; and conducts extensive research. They maintain a strong commitment to achieving measurable results and the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. The IDB prioritizes social inclusion and equality; productivity and innovation; and regional economic integration in its development work across Latin America and the Caribbean. In doing so, it addresses the cross-cutting issues of gender equality and diversity; climate change and environmental sustainability; and institutional capacity and the rule of law. Learn more about the Institutional Strategy here. Learn more about Vision 2025: Document and Presentation.

About the World Affairs Council of Miami The World Affairs Council of Miami has been reestablished as a Miami based organization rejoining the World Affairs Council of America with its 90 other chapters spread across the United States. This network is one of the most well-respected international affairs organizations in the world. The World Affairs Councils of America is an independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to engaging the public and leading global voices to better understand the world, America's international role, and the policy choices that impact our daily lives and our future.

About the International Economic Forum of the Americas: The International Economic Forum of the Americas bringstogether the world’s leaders and legislators, economists, Fortune 500 CEOs and world-class experts. The World Strategic Forum is an active and effective platform for dialogue, corporate insight and collaboration on the central issues affecting the world’s economy today. The Forum receives wide, national and international media coverage and presents opportunities for business synergies aimed at long-term partnerships in the context of the fast-changing dynamics of the global economy.