战略与国际研究中心-Hemisphere-Insider_-Volume-II,-Issue-8_2页_754kb

Hemisphere Insider Summary

Core Content

Hemisphere Insider is a publication by the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), focusing on political, economic, and social developments in the Americas. The April 23, 2012 issue highlights key events and analyses across different regions, including the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and North America.

Main Points and Key Information

1. Americas Program Event: Prime Minister of Barbados

• On April 23, 2012, the Americas Program and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce cohosted His Excellency Freundel J. Stuart, the Prime Minister of Barbados.
• The event discussed challenges facing Barbados and the Caribbean, including:
  • Withstanding commodity import price spikes.
  • Responding to natural disasters.
• Barbados is advancing a "green" agenda, including the development of solar power.
• The country is also working to become a business-friendly conference destination.
• Existing treaties help minimize double taxation, making Barbados a natural base for cross-border services.

2. Health Challenges in Haiti

• April marked the start of two vaccination initiatives in Haiti:
  • A campaign to eliminate five childhood diseases using a five-in-one formula.
  • An anti-cholera pilot targeting 100,000 people.
• The anti-cholera initiative involves the U.S. CDC, Partners in Health, and GESKIO.
• The vaccine is now affordable due to mass production by Shantha Biotechnics.
• Despite the efforts, cholera outbreaks are still a risk, especially during the summer rainy season.
• The vaccine offers partial protection, particularly for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children.
• The project has global implications for developing countries.

3. Economic and Political Developments

• Mexico: Launched Transfer, the first mobile phone payment system, to promote financial inclusion.
• Dominican Republic: Ambev acquired a 51% stake in Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana, controlling over 90% of the Dominican beer market.
• Costa Rica: President Laura Chinchilla announced a budget deficit reduction plan including:
  • An electronic sales tax system.
  • Selling state property.
  • Freezing government salaries and pensions.
• Honduras: The National Congress approved an electoral law amendment to increase women's participation in elections through a quota system.
• Argentina: The European Parliament criticized Argentina's expropriation of YPF as unilateral and arbitrary, and called for the suspension of tariff preferences.
• Brazil: Rio de Janeiro released the Plano Estratégico da Cidade 2013-2016, outlining ambitious goals such as:
  • A 5% reduction in favelas.
  • Modernizing 100% of the city's bus fleet.
• Colombia: Ehud Barak (Israel's defense minister) met with Juan Carlos Pinzón (Colombia's defense minister) to discuss defense and security cooperation, including the sale of UAVs and combating transnational organized crime.
• Venezuela: General Wilmer Antonio Moreno, a close ally of Hugo Chávez, was killed by unknown gunmen in Anzoátegui. He was involved in a failed coup against President Carlos Andrés Pérez in 1992.

Upcoming Events

• May 9: "Mexico: Elections and Prospects for Structural Reform" at CSIS, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m..

Staff and Contributors

• Director: Stephen Johnson
• Program Coordinator: Michael Graybeal
• Senior Associates: Johanna Mendelson Forman, Phillip McLean, Anton Edmunds, Carlos Regúnaga, Christopher Sands, Duncan Wood
• Senior Adviser: Luis Carlos Ugalde
• Adjunct Fellow: Douglas Farah
• Intern Scholars: Sebastian Arandia, Siremorn Asvapromtada, Michael Lopesciolo, Christine Zaino

Conclusion

The Hemisphere Insider issue highlights the diverse challenges and opportunities across the Americas. From Barbados' economic and environmental strategies to Haiti's health initiatives, and political and economic developments in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Honduras, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela, the publication offers a comprehensive overview of regional dynamics. The event and reports emphasize the importance of international cooperation, innovation, and policy reforms in addressing both local and global issues.