CÚPULA DA AMÉRICA LATINA E DO CARIBE SOBRE ... - Funag

CÚPULA DA AMÉRICA LATINA E DO CARIBE SOBRE INTEGRAÇÃO E DESENVOLVIMENTO - CALC
for our primary schools and medical programs, the eye program, the Cuban
eye care program. This has also included the contracting of private sector
construction services from major companies in Latin America, in the terminal
expansion project at our international airport facilities by Brazil Gutierrez in the
1990s to a US$ 120 million road improvement contract concluded just 2 days
ago with the Argentine construction company Jose Carolina.
It is absolutely true sirs that we can achieve more acting together than we
can achieve acting apart. To this end, I urge each of us to set a clear path
forward for our collective action. Let us define some specific projects that
can produce gains for our peoples and apply the necessary resources to
execute them. In this regard, I wish to recommend four areas for that warrant
our attention and consideration. First, regional transport: By developing more
air and sea links between our nations, we can advance trade and encourage
further economic growth and development in our region. Second, energy
conservation: The promise of alternative energy as well will take some time
to realize. Conservation, though, is within our immediate grasp. We should
now undertake efforts to help poor peoples conserve energy, which will
not only benefit the environment but will also offer financial assistance to
the poorer segments. And third, education: Our region is rich with
institutions to educate and train our young people. Through a focused
effort aimed particularly at reducing educational costs, we can provide
many more of the region’s young people access to advanced education
and enable them realize their potential. And finally, tourism. The Bahamas
is a very open economy. It provides excellent opportunities for increased
cooperation between the peoples of my region. Today, the tourism market
for visitors and second home owners lies in North America and Western
Europe. Why not attract more from Latin America? Today, we access the
vast majority of our airports from North America and Western Europe.
Why not from Latin America?
What is true for us in the Bahamas can also be said for the entire Caribbean
community of countries. Opportunities for greater cooperation and South-
South collaboration are closely bound. Moving forward in these areas is in
our hands. Finally, Mr. Chairman, platitudes and speeches will only assist if
they are followed by concrete action. Now is the time to act. I thank you sir.
Presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva – Obrigado, Primeiro- Ministro.
Eu queria passar agora a palavra ao Primeiro-Ministro de São Vicente e
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