Americas Partnership Drives Inclusive Prosperity

The Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity is gaining momentum as the United States, alongside partner nations, announces major initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable growth across the Western Hemisphere.

Introduction

In a significant move to bolster regional collaboration, the U.S. has committed $30 million to technical assistance and announced several initiatives under the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity.

These initiatives aim to unlock competitiveness, promote sustainable investment, and strengthen the semiconductor industry, driving economic growth and inclusive prosperity.

Commitment to Shared Values

The foreign ministers of the 12 Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity countries, including the United States, reaffirmed their commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable prosperity. This partnership is anchored in shared values such as democratic governance, rule of law, diversity, inclusion, and respect for human rights.

Strategic Priorities

• Strengthening regional competitiveness and integration.
• Fostering shared prosperity and good governance.
• Building sustainable infrastructure.
• Protecting the climate and environment.
• Promoting healthy communities.

By focusing on these cross-cutting priorities, the partnership aims to address major global challenges and drive economic collaboration and integration across the Americas.

U.S. Commits $30 Million for Sustainable Investment

During the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity meeting, the United States announced a commitment of up to $30 million towards a new initiative to accelerate international development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This technical assistance facility, developed in cooperation with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and IDB Invest, aims to expand the pipeline for new projects and support those under consideration.

Objectives of the Initiative

• Expand the pipeline for sustainable development projects.
• Support project development to meet rigorous financing criteria.
• Promote regional development through strategic investments.

This initiative highlights the U.S.’s dedication to fostering sustainable economic growth in the region and addressing the need for more robust support in project development.

Semiconductor Production Enhancement

In an effort to bolster semiconductor production capabilities across the Western Hemisphere, the U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has launched the CHIPS ITSI Western Hemisphere Semiconductor Initiative.

This initiative, supported by the CHIPS Act International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund, aims to enhance semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging capabilities in key partner countries, including Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica.

Highlights

• Public-private partnerships to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem.
• Implementation of OECD recommendations tailored to regional needs.
• Support for technological advancement and economic growth.

The initiative will commence in 2024 and continue through 2026, setting a precedent for inclusive economic growth and technological advancement.

Advancing Clean Energy and Rule of Law

The Americas Partnership clean hydrogen working group, co-led by Chile, Uruguay, and the United States, aims to promote clean hydrogen and derivatives across the region. This initiative supports national clean energy and climate goals, fostering the development and adoption of clean hydrogen markets and supply chains.

Main Aspects:

• Technical workshops on policy, regulatory, and investment frameworks.
• Capacity-building activities to support clean hydrogen development.
• Collective experiences from government, independent experts, and private companies.

Additionally, to strengthen the rule of law and transparency, partners are exchanging best practices and sharing information. Workshops, such as the one hosted by the Dominican Republic, focus on fostering a culture of transparency and ethics in government functions.

Enhancing Food Security and Civilian Space Cooperation

Efforts to strengthen food security and sustainable food production are underway with workshops in Ecuador and Peru. Supported by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), these workshops aim to promote smart agriculture and deforestation-free sustainable production.

Initiative Overview:

• Digital platform on sustainable agriculture best practices.
• Georeferencing tools for traceability and deforestation-free production.
• Public policies to strengthen agricultural and food systems.

The partnership is also enhancing cooperation on the peaceful civilian uses of space, focusing on practical environmental and societal applications of space technology.

Initiatives Under the Americas Partnership

Closing the Loop

The Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared values in driving economic growth and inclusivity.

With significant commitments from the United States and partner countries, the partnership is poised to unlock new opportunities, promote sustainable investment, and strengthen regional competitiveness.

As these initiatives unfold, they promise to deliver tangible benefits to the people of the Americas, fostering a brighter, more prosperous future for all.

• The U.S. commits $30 million to accelerate international development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• The CHIPS ITSI Western Hemisphere Semiconductor Initiative aims to enhance semiconductor production capabilities in Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica.

By focusing on areas such as clean energy, the digital economy, and the rule of law, the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity stands as a beacon of inclusive growth and regional collaboration.

Sources: THX News & US Department of State.