The IDB is the largest regional multilateral financial institution devoted to the development of Latin America and the Caribbean. During 1998, the Bank loaned $10 billion for financing of development projects in Latin America, including projects in health care, information technology, environment, agriculture, modernization of the state, education, transportation, urban development, and housing, energy, water and sanitation, finance and tourism.

Projects funded by the IDB generate millions of dollars in business opportunities each year for firms from its 46 member countries. More than 6,000 contracts are awarded each year for a variety of goods, civil works and consulting services. U.S. firms have proven to be competitive in bidding on IDB financed projects. In the past, U.S firms have received payments exceeding $11 billion. From 1990 to 1997 about 50% of the American companies that won contracts were small and medium size enterprises.

The IDB is offering this business seminar in conjunction with the City of New Orleans, MetroVision Economic Development Partnership, World Trade Center of New Orleans, Louisiana Department of Economic Development, New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center , the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, and other organizations.

Companies dealing with all types of infrastructure and social projects, civil engineers, representatives of financial institutions, international law firms, and independent consultants interested in expanding business ties in Latin America.

To learn the mechanics on how the IDB Group works (IDB, Multilateral Investment Fund, and the Inter-American Investment Corporation) and how the private sector can take advantage of these opportunities abroad.

Attendance at this seminar entitles the participant to attend the IDB’s Annual Meeting, March 27-29, 2000 in New Orleans.

It is estimated that 7,000 delegates will attend the Annual Meeting of the IDB. Ten percent of the registrants are international journalists. Other delegates include the Board of Governors of the Bank (Finance Ministers and Central Bank Presidents), major national and international banks and private sector firms. It is also expected that 18 heads of state will attend.

SEMINAR AGENDA

10:00 a.m. WELCOMING REMARKS

INTRODUCTION TO THE INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Dan Martin, Chief of Public Information Section, Office of External Relations, IDB, Washington, D.C.

• Overview
• Project Cycle and Procurement
• Consultants Procedures

11:00 a.m. COFFEE BREAK

11:15 a.m. THE PROCUREMENT EXPERIENCE OF LOUISIANA FIRMS

12:00 Noon - 1:45 p.m.   LUNCHEON

Mr. Paulo Paiva, Vice President, Inter-American Development Bank, Washington, D.C.

Topic: The Role of the IDB in Latin America & The Caribbean.

Before joining the Bank, Mr. Paiva served as Minister of Labor in Brazil, 1995-1998, Minister of Planning and Budgeting, 1998, and Minister of Budget and Management, 1999.

 

Sponsoring Organizations

In Cooperation With

Baton Rouge Center for World Affairs

City of New Orleans, Office of International Relations

Consular Corps of New Orleans

Foreign Relations Association

International Trade Council/Red River Region

Louisiana District Export Council

Louisiana International Trade Center/SBDC

Louisiana International Trade Commission

New Orleans Media Center

New Orleans Technology Council

United Nations Association of Greater New Orleans

World Trade Club of Greater New Orleans

Registration Fee: $30 for members of the sponsoring organizations and $35 for non-members.