The Inter-American Development Bank will hold a conference on “Lessons and Perspectives for Infrastructure Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean” in Lima, Peru, on March 27, 2004, in conjunction with the upcoming Annual Meeting of the Boards of Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank and the Inter-American Investment Corporation.

The objective of the Seminar is to set an adequate framework for discussion with key stakeholders on mechanisms, options and factors that would increase investments in infrastructure sectors.  The specific goals are to: a) raise awareness of central and local governmental authorities of the substantial infrastructure investments required; b) review the new international and domestic environment including the fiscal dimensions; c) identify the major obstacles that have hindered investments in the sector; and d) discuss solutions that would enable countries in the region to increase investments. The Seminar of Lima will conclude a series of events focusing on revitalization of infrastructure and it is ideal for the Bank to launch its renewed commitment to support the expansion of infrastructure.

2. Place and Time

The conference will be hold on March 27, 2004 at the Seminar Room B, Ground level, at the Museo de la Nación, in Lima, Perú.

3. Participants

Participants will include national authorities, investors and regulators of the infrastructure services, members of academia, specialists from multilateral financial institutions; and banking, industry, and legal experts.

4. The sessions

The one day conference will start with opening remarks from the Minister of Economy and Finance of Peru, the Vice-President for Latin America and the Caribbean at the World Bank, the President of the Andean Development Corporation and the President of the Inter-American Development Bank and then it will have 4 sessions. The power point presentations of the panelists can be found in the agenda.

The first session will review the lessons learned and help identify areas needing special policy consideration.

The second session will discuss the differences and practical implications of using pure concessions and PPPs, and will provide recommendations for the next generation of infrastructure projects.