On November 22, 2024, the Americas Business Dialogue (ABD) convened its plenary meeting, focusing on the implementation of policy recommendations and preparations for the X Summit of the Americas in 2025.
Fabrizio Opertti, Manager of the Integration and Trade Sector at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), underscored the ABD’s pivotal role in regional cooperation, detailing advancements in trade, health, and digital sectors through ABD’s initiatives. New task forces on AI, semiconductors, and Amazon sustainability were introduced to address emerging challenges.
Ana Carolina González, Alternate Representative of the Dominican Republic to the Organization of American States (OAS), outlined their vision for the upcoming Summit, emphasizing inclusivity and stakeholder engagement. The official announcement of the theme for the X Summit of the Americas is expected to take place during February 2025, marking the start of focused preparations and stakeholder engagement.
Neil Herrington, Senior Vice President for the Americas at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Cesar Dargam, Executive Vice President at the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP), discussed the historical growth of ABD and the strategic importance of the CEO Summit, focusing on competitiveness and regional collaboration.
The meeting featured insightful interventions from ABD members and Chairs on the progress of developing white papers within ABD working groups, including on trade facilitation, digital trade and economy, finance, food and agribusiness, and health, showcasing ABD’s broad coverage across various sectors.
The session concluded with a call for continued engagement, with a proposed meeting in May 2025 in the Dominican Republic to refine recommendations for the Summit. The collaborative spirit of ABD was reaffirmed, promising further integration and economic growth across the Americas.