Latin America and the Caribbean Strengthen Ties with the EU in Hamburg, Germany

HAMBURG, Germany and BRUSSELS, October 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Hamburg, Germany's trade and commercial hub, provides the focal meeting point for economic dialogue between Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean between November 4 and 5. High-ranking representatives from the world of business and politics in both regions will gather at two consecutive events. One of the common topics is the new Pacific Alliance.

The Lateinamerika Verein e.V. (LAV) is extending an invitation to the 64^th Latin American Day in Hamburg on November 4 and 5. More than 40 representatives from German-Latin American economic partnerships will be speaking about logistical and infrastructure challenges and about the Pacific Alliance. They include guests of honour such as Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, Mexico's secretary of economy, and Alfredo Moreno Charme, Chile's minister of foreign affairs. The First Mayor of Hamburg, Olaf Scholz, is acting as patron. (http://www.lateinamerikaverein.de)

On November 6, the European Union-Latin America and Caribbean Foundation (EU-LAC Foundation) will host the international congress "The European Union and the Pacific Alliance - Joint Opportunities" in the Hanseatic city in northern Germany. The president of the EU-LAC Foundation, Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, will open the seminar, while guests of honour such as María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, Columbian foreign minister and acting president of the Pacific Alliance, will compare notes in particular with representatives of chambers of commerce and economic development agencies from both regions. (http://www.eulacfoundation.org)

In addition to its significance as Europe's second largest container port, Hamburg is a bridgehead between Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. Home to around 100 consulates, Hamburg maintains links across the globe. The Lateinamerika Verein (LAV) has an almost 100-year-long tradition in Hamburg as a German-Latin American network. What's more, the EU-LAC Foundation has been headquartered in Hamburg since 2011. The two institutions are holding a forum at Hamburg's Chamber of Commerce at the beginning of November to strengthen relations between the two regions. Moving beyond existing links, the recently established Pacific Alliance is opening up new opportunities for cooperation. The strategically favourable geographic location between Asia and Europe makes the Pacific Alliance a potential driving force for the global economy.

Information about Hamburg:

http://www.hamburg-economy.de

http://www.marketing.hamburg.de

Media contact:
Matthias Beer, Hamburg Marketing GmbH
Email: matthias.beer[at]marketing.hamburg.de
Tel.: +49-40-300-51-581