I would also like to thank The Miami Herald and Mr. Alberto Ibarguen, for the organization of this conference and especially for inviting me to speak to such a distinguished audience of entrepreneurs and government experts. This forum affords us an invaluable occasion for reflecting upon and sharing our experience, knowledge and information on both the opportunities and challenges resulting from globalization. Before addressing the topic of regional integration in the Americas and, specifically the creation of the Free Trade Area of the Americas, I would like to reflect a bit on the larger process of increasing interdependence among our countries. I will also make some comments on the obstacles that we have faced in the last few months. This interdependence that has accompanied the phenomenon of globalization affects the destinies of individuals as well as nations.
Globalization transcends borders, social classes, religion and race.
In our hemisphere, for example, despite vast differences in size, wealth and power, societies across the continent share a number of problems, challenges and hopes. The fate of the countries of the Americas is intertwined. We are tied to one another, for better or for worse, through economic and political ups and downs, by geography, history, culture and commerce. For these reasons, we in the Americas are increasingly aware that issues on the domestic agenda may also have an international dimension. Progress cannot be gained at the expense of one's neighbor's dreams and aspirations.