World Economic Forum on Latin America 2015
Mexico’s Riviera Maya hosted the World Economic Forum on Latin America 2015 from 6 to 8 May. This space for high-level
dialogue allows for the discussion and formulation of strategies for the overall improvement of the region.
The theme of this tenth Forum was "Advancing through a Renovation Agenda" and the objective was centred on focal points
and discussions concerning reforms and structural changes that promote the advancement of the region.
Representatives of 45 countries were in attendance, including heads of state, ministers and mayors from different
countries and more than 750 leaders, some of whom were presidents of multinational companies and leaders of opinion. The
importance New Zealand accords to this Forum was reflected in the participation of Trade Minister Tim Groser, who has a
wealth of knowledge about the region.
President Enrique Peña Nieto said that in recent years Latin America has been one of the regions that have evolved the
most. "In a short time, our nations have made profound changes that would have seemed impossible only a few years ago.
In the nations of the region, democracy and the rule of law, accountability in the management of public finances and a
number or processes of openness are being increasingly consolidated. "
LATIN AMERICA
Latin America is vibrant, diverse and dynamic:
• Over the past decade, 50 million people have overcome poverty and have driven the growth of the middle class in Latin
America.
• The average income in the region has increased by 25%.
• Extreme poverty has fallen by nearly half since 2000.
• Over the past decade, the number of years that Latin American children have spent in school has increased from five to
eight.
• Approximately 60% of Latin America’s labour force is employed in SMEs.
• It is the world's third largest economy (GDP of US$5.8 billion).
• It has 614 million inhabitants, which makes it the third largest market.
• Trade is worth US$ 2.2 billion, with annual growth of 11%.
• The average growth for the region was 1.3%.
• Mexico is the world’s 15th largest economy and the second largest in Latin America.
ENDS