Bogota, april 2024. The Bogota Chamber of Commerce (CCB) and the World Chambers Federation will hold the Summit of the Americas on May 8 and 9 in the city of Bogota. This event will focus on analyzing market trends and international business opportunities in key sectors for MSMEs, through an academic and networking space that will promote trade and boost sales for entrepreneurs in Bogota and the region.

This meeting will bring together more than 30 countries, 35 Chambers of Commerce of the Americas and more than 800 MSMEs dedicated to learning and business networking. It is expected the participation of 70 buying companies and more than 400 selling companies, in addition to different business rounds that are expected to exceed US$4,000,000 in commercial transactions.

Buying companies come from countries such as Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, the United States, Guatemala, Israel, Kenya, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. The topics addressed on this occasion will include sectors such as Food and Beverages, Construction and Energy, Health and Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Textiles, Fashion and Apparel, Information Technology, as well as Printing and Packaging.

Ovidio Claros Polanco, president of the Bogota Chamber of Commerce. “From the Bogota Chamber of Commerce we want to promote and make viable work spaces that allow the development of MSME businesses, in order to strengthen the popular economy. With this summit, we want to contribute to the expansion of markets and their businesses, promoting a connected and prosperous business environment”,

John Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce said, “By enhancing the ability of businesses to innovate, scale and generate opportunities for everyone, everywhere, our inaugural World Chambers Federation Summit of the Americas will be a catalyst for Latin American chambers and businesses to drive trade and strengthen international cooperation. In turn, the real economy issues and barriers discussed at the Summit will be embraced by the ICC to influence high-level decision makers on the global stage to make the world economy more inclusive on behalf of our global network.”

The event's agenda will address topics of global interest ranging from leadership lessons for entrepreneurs with leading experts through panels, keynotes and dynamic interviews, analyzing lessons from global leaders, best practices, challenges in regional value chains and market expansion through empowerment, chamber relationships and connecting cultures. It will explore how digital tools, from technological optimization to Artificial Intelligence, are transforming the way business is done.On the other hand, it will analyze how geopolitics and global supply chains in Latin America are essential in an interconnected world to boost MSMEs.

Participants

Among the main speakers attending the Summit of the Americas are John Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce; Maria Fernanda Garza, President of the International Chamber of Commerce; Toki Mabogunje, Vice President for Africa of the World Chambers Federation; Richard Ngatia, President of the East African Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture; and Hassan Al Hashemi- Vice President - International Relations, Dubai Chamber.

Also participating will be Marcelo Elizondo, Director of the Argentine Chamber of Commerce; Maria Teresa Bustamante, President of the Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Industries; Julian Kassum, Director - Global Relations and Development of the ICC; Shannon K. O'Neill, Vice President of the Council on Foreign Relations; as well as Andrés Moreno, Founder, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Open English.