CIPE’s notable achievements in 2009 addressed some of the current challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean: increasing political polarization, anti-democratic agendas, a large informal sector, and poor governance in the private and public sectors. In Mexico, CIPE educated journalists and company directors on the benefits of good corporate governance. In Nicaragua, CIPE supported efforts to maintain successful policy dialogue through a National Business Agenda. In Paraguay, a CIPE-supported business forum brought the government into the discussion of private sector priorities for the first time. Efforts across the region to engage with think tanks and to distribute market-oriented information improved the quality of dialogue and debate. CIPE’s work in 2009 to support reform agendas met with success across the region, even in countries where governments are pursuing anti-market agendas.

Paraguay President Fernando Lugo addresses participants at the Foundation for Development in Democracy’s Second Private Sector Forum.

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Perspectiva informs readers across Latin America and the Caribbean on market economic principles and democratic and economic policy reform.

Recent opinion polls throughout Latin America show increased support for democracy when it is linked to strong economic performance. CIPE and the Political Science Institute (ICP) publish a quarterly Spanish-language magazine, Perspectiva, and maintain the corresponding website (www.revistaperspectiva.com), to clearly demonstrate this link between democracy and free markets. Perspectiva is distributed in print and electronically by a network of 11 local think tanks in Latin America and the United States to audiences ranging from the business community to legislators and from youth to journalists. In 2009, ICP published four editions of Perspectiva , addressing the current financial crisis, foreign policy in the region, alternative energy sources, and freedom of expression. Throughout the year, ICP and its regional partners hosted dozens of events to launch, publicize, and distribute the magazine. This year’s redesign of the Perspectiva website has expanded its reach through a new blog, which has drawn an increasing number of readers and contributors.

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The Superior Council for Private Enterprise (COSEP) is using its National Business Agenda (NBA) – a valuable tool to spur and strengthen dialogue between the public and private sectors – to articulate private sector priorities and drive legislative momentum. Throughout 2009, COSEP’s leaders held regular meetings with Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega, his economic advisor Bayardo Arce, and various ministers. COSEP worked with private sector representatives and government officials to review pending legislation for its potential effect on the energy sector and business environment. As a key actor in the efforts for market-oriented reform, COSEP has maintained its leadership role to ensure that effective implementation of new legislation has a positive influence on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, job creation, and new investments in the renewable energy sector.

Inter-American Development Bank Representative to Nicaragua Mirna Liévano (left), COSEP President José Adán Aguerri (center), and Nicaraguan Chamber of Commerce President Ernesto Porta Balladares (right) meet to discuss private sector priorities.

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The Center for Excellence in Corporate Governance (CECG) is working to address one of the key challenges to enriching democratic institutions in Mexico: improving how the private sector functions. A private sector with improved capabilities can be a better advocate for needed reforms, generating greater public trust in private enterprise and free markets. CECG’s work in 2009 focused on strengthening corporate governance structures and improving journalists’ understanding of corporate governance. CECG trained and educated journalists, individual companies, and company directors on understanding and improving corporate governance practices.

CECG’s Guía Práctica para la Institucionalización de la Empresa (Practical Guide for Institutionalizing Companies) informs Mexican businesses on how to access public financial markets through implementation of corporate governance best practices.

Carlos Pantoja, an expert from Deloitte on governance, risk, and compliance, explains the importance of transparency and disclosure, at a CECG event on corporate governance.

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The Foundation for Higher Education and Development (Fedesarrollo) has advised two generations of prominent policymakers in Colombia, many of whom have been affiliated with the institution at different times in their careers. In recent years, CIPE and Fedesarrollo have worked to spark a democratic policy debate on much-needed reforms in Colombia, focusing on strengthening the role of Congress in the policymaking process. As most legislation is heavily influenced by the executive branch, Fedesarrollo has worked with legislators to help them play a more active role in drafting and analyzing legislation. In 2009, Fedesarrollo provided crucial policy analysis to numerous legislators and assisted in revising key draft bills, helping to shape pro-market public policy reforms. CIPE and Fedesarollo hosted a training program for 23 participants from 11 think tank partners throughout Latin America to share their experiences and models for conducting a legislative advisory program. Fedesarrollo’s expertise has made it a strong advocate for reform in Colombia and throughout the region.

CIPE think tank partners from Latin America gather at Fedesarrollo headquarters in Colombia to discuss project management, challenges, and share experiences.

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An open dialogue between the private sector and the government is crucial for building a business environment that allows Paraguay to successfully participate in the world economy. In 2009, the Foundation for Development in Democracy (DENDE) organized the Second Private Sector Forum, “Change: A Responsibility For Us All.” Attendees numbered over 700 – up from 300 the previous year – and included many high-level government officials. The event also received extensive media coverage, reaching a potential audience of over 200,000 readers. The forum was a landmark achievement in opening dialogue between the private sector and the government in Paraguay; it marks the first occasion that Paraguay President Fernando Lugo sat down with the private sector to listen to their views on reform.

The forum was a significant opportunity for the private sector to present its views on how best to support democracy and development in Paraguay. It was also a chance to build on the 2008 event, where private sector organizations began working on a National Business Agenda. As a result of the forum, the private sector issued a joint declaration to the government emphasizing 11 key areas of reform, such as strengthening the rule of law and stronger and more transparent government institutions. This is the first time the private sector has begun working together to present its views to the government on how best to support democracy and development in Paraguay.

DENDE designs and promotes public policies that support Paraguay in achieving sustainable economic development based on liberty and democracy. DENDE, a non-profit institution chartered in 2004 by 67 private sector leaders, has trained business executives and conducted numerous economic studies. Now a leader in building consensus for a national development plan among the business community, DENDE is helping the business community better understand its role in a democratic society.

This project was funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Carmen Cosp, director and general manager of cleaning supply company IRIS S.A., participates in the discussion at DENDE’s Second Private Sector Forum.

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