Date:                15 March

Time:               10.00 - 12.00

Location:         ProDemos, Hofweg 1H (5^th floor), The Hague

Since the installation of the CDA-VVD government, there have been significant changes in the foreign policy of The Netherlands concerning the relationship with Latin America. The main focus is now on economic development and improving economic relations. Over the past years, most of the Latin American countries have seen impressive economic growth. In the same period this region has demonstrated considerable democratic growth. Both the Dutch government and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) facilitate the further democratization of different countries in Latin America.

The current situation gives rise to questions like: How does the new foreign policy of The Netherlands coincide with the economic and democratic developments of these countries in Latin America? What are the main factors behind the growth of this region and what are the economic prospects? These prospects will be analyzed from both the Latin American and the European perspective.

From this debate we expect an enhanced understanding on the connection between economic development and democratization processes in the Andean region and a clear exposition of the possibilities and challenges that arise with this connection.

09.30 – Arrival, coffee and tea
10.00 – Opening and welcome by Hans Bruning, Executive Director of NIMD
10.10 – Commencement of the debate, introduction of the speakers
10.15 – Miguel Calahorrano Camino – Ecuadorian Ambassador to the Netherlands
10.30 – Pieter van Geel, vice-president of the CDA board, former CDA party leader
10.45 – Gerald Baal, co-founder and CEO of TRANSFER Latin Business Consultancy
11.00 – Questions and public discussion
11.20 – Conclusion by Dr. Rosalba Icaza, Lecturer in Governance and International Political Economy at ISS
11.30 – Coffee and tea
12.00 - end of  the debate

Meeting will be held in English.