Optimism reigned at the Latin American Forum, where the Latin American Economic Outlook and the post-crisis strategy were discussed.

An uneven global recovery represents a challenge for Latin America and the Carribean. The region will, however, still emerge stronger from the crisis and a deeper integration into the global economy will ensure high growth potential. This was one of the main conclusions reached by leaders and experts participating in the International Economic Forum Latin America & the Caribbean 2011, organised for the third consecutive year by the OECD Development Centre, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and France’s Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry.

The 2010-20 period could become the Latin American Decade if countries consolidate the advances made in the last decade towards efficient social policies, prudent fiscal management, greater productivity and innovation, better regulatory frameworks to attract long-term investments and improving the quality and delivery of public services such as education and health.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said "Latin America is a new locomotive of the world economy.” He added: “When European countries, the United States and Japan look our way, we want them to see Latin America as a good partner."

View the article.
Watch the video of the Forum in English or Spanish.
Read the speech of the OECD Secretary General.
Check the photostream.

ASEAN recovery losing momentum

The December Asian Business Cycle Indicators (ABCI) show that the strong recovery experienced in ASEAN economies in the first half of 2010 is gradually losing momentum. Nonetheless, the picture varies across Southeast Asian countries. A solid recovery is ongoing in the Philippines, driven by strong exports and improving business sentiment, while economic activity appears to be slowing down in Malaysia and Singapore. Growth is also showing signs of slowing in Indonesia. The outlook for the Thai economy is relatively stable, supported by the resiliance of productive sectors.
For more information on the ABCI, click here.

24 Seminar: Gender equality and social cohesion in Africa, OECD, Paris. Contact: Myriam Andrieux

16Seminar: Inequality, poverty and social cohesion, OECD, Paris. Contact:Myriam Andrieux

23 Release of the Asian Business Cycles Quarterly, Q1. Paris, France. Contact.

Why look at Social Cohesion today? The International Conference on Social Cohesion and Development worked to deepen understanding between social cohesion and development in the context of shifting wealth. Both plenary and parallel sessions gave rise to animated discussions on related topics, such as employment, gender and migration. Watch it!

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