EMnet Business Meeting 

"Investment and Confidence through Stronger Institutions"

Monday, 28 May 2018 

Centre de Conférences Pierre Mendès France

Ministères français de l’Économie et des Finances

139, rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris

 

The meeting on "Investment and Confidence through Stronger Institutions", will gather multinational companies, policy makers and OECD experts to discuss the role public institutions can play a crucial role to enhance the level of business confidence that underpins a virtuous cycle of investment, growth and opportunities in Latin America.

The event builds on the key findings of the 2018 edition of the OECD Economic Outlook for Latin America, which put a special focus on the confidence in public institutions in the region.  

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Session 1: Public institutions as an effective catalyst for business opportunities

According to the Latin American Economic Outlook 2018, the region is undergoing a modest recovery after a two-year recession. However, potential trade tensions, episodes of corruption and public safety considerations can hinder the development of a favourable investment climate. Public institutions can play a crucial role to enhance the level of business confidence that underpins a virtuous cycle of investment, growth and opportunities, particularly during times of transition.

Session 2: Enhancing regional competitiveness through effective business regulations

Labour productivity has decreased by 1.5% in Latin America since 2015, lagging behind other regions like Emerging Asia. At the same time, large skill shortages persist as 4 in 10 firms in the region have difficulty finding adequately skilled workers Effective business regulations, particularly in innovative sectors, are essential to enhance regional competitiveness, increase foreign investment, reduce skills mismatches and support firms’ implementation of strategic priorities.

Session 3: Capitalising on the growing middle class

The share of Latin American’s population living in poverty dropped from 42% to 24% from 2002 to 2013. The rise of the middle class, which today represents more than a third of the citizens, has been one of the region’s major positive socio-economic transformations in recent times. These trends are fostering a more demanding and sophisticated consumer class. It will be crucial for businesses and public institutions to address the needs of this evolving demand.