The 2017 Conference began with a presentation by H.E. Ilan Goldfajn, Governor, Central Bank of Brazil.  Following the Governor’s remarks, a panel entitled “Seeking Growth and Competitiveness Through Reform” addressed recently approved micro-reforms and their impact on Brazil’s productivity. The panel was moderated by Paulo Sotero, Director, Woodrow Wilson Institute, and comprised of Meg Lundsager, also of Woodrow Wilson and Antonio Spilimbergo, Assistant Director, IMF.

Gabrielle Trebat, of McLarty Associates, next moderated a panel entitled “Prospects for Investing,” comprised of company representatives discussing the business climate in Brazil.  Panelists included Richard Mayfield, EVP, Walmart International, Trevor Gunn, VP International Relations, Medtronic, and Shannon Herzfeld, VP Global Government Relations, Archer Daniels Midland.

Concluding the morning sessions was a panel “Brazil Economic and Political Outlook” moderated by Paulo Vieira da Cunha.  The panel comprised of economists, analysts, and consultants discussing current economic and political conditions in Brazil.  The panelists included Alexandre Bassoli, Chief Economist, Opportunity Asset Management, Christopher Garman, Managing Director of the Americas, Eurasia Group, and Zeina Latif, Chief Economist, XP Investment.

The Conference concluded with a conversation with H.E. Henrique Meirelles, Minister, Ministry of Finance of Brazil.