Jul 12, 2007

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) supports economic and social development and regional integration in Latin America and the Caribbean. It does so mainly through lending to public institutions, but it also funds some private projects, typically in infrastructure and capital markets development. The IDB helps foster sustainable economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean through its lending operations, leadership in regional initiatives, research and knowledge dissemination activities, institutes and programs. The Bank assists its Latin American and Caribbean borrowing member countries in formulating development policies and provides financing and technical assistance to achieve environmentally sustainable economic growth and increase competitiveness, enhance social equity and fight poverty, modernize the state, and foster free trade and regional integration. By the end of 2006, the Bank had approved over $129 billion in loans and guarantees to finance projects with investments totaling $291 billion, as well as $1.95 billion in grants and contingent-recovery technical cooperation financing.

In 2006, the Bank delivered a solid and innovative lending program. Approvals of loans and guarantees—127 projects for nearly $6.4 billion—were up in terms of the number of operations but slightly lower in volume compared with 2005. Disbursements at the Bank in 2006 totaled nearly $6.5 billion, a 22 percent increase over the previous year. The Inter-American Investment Corporation enjoyed the best year in its 17-year history, achieving record loan approvals of $338 million, while keeping administrative costs virtually unchanged. At the Multilateral Investment Fund, following the IDB Board of Governors’ approval of a capital replenishment in 2005, project approvals were $125 million, primarily in grants, an 11 percent increase relative to the previous year.

At the Inter-American Development Bank Group, the year was also marked by significant change and innovation. The Bank launched a number of major new programs during the year, chief among them the Opportunities for the Majority initiative, which reflects a shift in emphasis from the macroeconomic to the microeconomic

Panelist:
Isabel Hagbrink is a Public Information Officer at the Office of External Relations of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). As such, she is involved in the coordination of the Bank outreach programs in its various member countries, including procurement information, business development programs, and the Speakers Bureau events. In addition, she contributes to the Bank Annual Report, a publication which the Bank Board of Executive Directors submits to the Board of Governors at the time of the Bank Annual Board of Governors Meeting.

The Public Information Section has become increasingly involved with developing a business outreach program and Ms. Hagbrink participates directly in procurement seminars for the business communities in Latin America, Europe and in the United States, including the Business Seminar Series and other meetings at headquarters. She also represents the Office of External Relations on the Bank Procurement Committee, a committee responsible for overseeing the Bank procurement policies and procedures.

Ms. Hagbrink joined the Private Sector Department of the IDB in 1999 and was involved in project finance work for private infrastructure projects and the hiring of consultants as part of the due diligence of these projects.

A Swedish national, but fluent in Spanish and English, Isabel Hagbrink previously worked as the economic and commercial advisor for two years at the Delegation of the European Commission in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Ms. Hagbrink holds a Bachelor and Masters degree in Business Administration and Economics from the Stockholm School of Economics and a Masters degree in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies Ms. Hagbrink joined the Private Sector Department of the IDB in 1999 and was involved in project finance work for private infrastructure projects and the hiring of consultants as part of the due diligence of these projects.

Program Chair:
Salomon Chiquiar-Rabinovich, Esq. - Seyfarth Shaw LLP, President, New England-Latin America Business Council and Deputy President, Hispanic National Bar Association Region I.

Program Details:
Date/Time:
Registration & Networking: 5:00-5:30p.m.
Presentations & Networking: 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Location:
Seyfarth Shaw LLP, Two Seaport Lane, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02210
$20 to members of New England-Latin America Business Council $45*non-members *Apply $20 toward your new NELABC membership (any level)
Register IN ADVANCE ONLY by Wednesday July 11, 2007.
Payment:  ADVANCE PAYMEMT ONLY by either registering online using MasterCard or Visa or sending in the form below. After registering by email or phone, fill out form below, include Credit Card details or Check made payable to NELABC. Send to: NELABC, c/o Bank of America, 100 Federal St, MS: MA5-100-12-01, Boston, MA 02110
to register for this event or download the Event Announcement.--> You can also send an email to info@nelabc.org or call 617-434-0928 for more details.

Cancellation must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2007, or be charged the full amount.

NELABC’s upcoming schedule has something for everyone interested in Latin America, from roundtable seminars, specialized networking events and workshops to video market briefings to and from Latin America. You won't want to miss these events! Look for the following timely NELABC events this fall and winter:

Winter/Spring 2007 Events.

NELABC programs provide members with the opportunity to: s  network and make new contactss  receive timely informations  meet leaders of corporations and governments from the U.S. and Latin Americas  pose questions to experts from both the private and public sectors.

Be sure to check NELABC’s website frequently for updates and additional coming events at www.nelabc.org.For membership information and to be added to our mailing list, email Ida Pardo at info@nelabc.org. To inquire about high visibility Corporate Sponsorship opportunities contact Ida Pardo 617-434-0928.