Need for Policy Reform Draws Together Latin American Investors, Policymakers
Chicago, IL, March 24, 2004 – The annual seminar of the Latin American Venture Capital Association (LAVCA) is expected to draw key investors and policymakers from throughout Latin America. The focal point of the seminar, to be held March 27th in Lima, Peru, is to identify ways in which policy reform can pave the way for increased venture capital and private equity activity in the region.
“Certain countries have had difficulty building the political will to effect such change,” stated LAVCA Executive Director Christina Kappaz. “This annual event is intended to answer the clear need for sustained dialogue between the public and private sectors.”
Participation in the invitation-only event will include leading funds such as Stratus Investimentos of Brazil, Intel Capital Latin America and the AIG-GE Latin American Infrastructure Fund. Richard Frank, CEO of Darby Overseas Investments, Ltd., and Chair of LAVCA’s Board of Directors, will give the keynote speech.
“Latin America offers tremendous investment opportunities that can be realized through an improved climate,” said Mr. Frank. “Darby is deeply committed to the region, and I see LAVCA as a valuable resource for investors, policy makers, and others interested in improving the investment climate.”
Policymaking institutions present will include Nacional Financiera of Mexico, CONASEV of Peru, and the Chilean Ministry of Finance. Present also will be Corporación Andina de Fomento, the event’s sponsor, and other multilateral development agencies including the Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the International Finance Corporation.
The Lima event, entitled “Preparing the Environment for Venture Investing,” marks the second annual policy seminar for the Chicago-based association. The seminar is held yearly in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the Inter-American Development Bank.
LAVCA’s mission is to promote the growth of the venture capital and private equity industry in Latin America through methods of research, education, networking, best practices, and the advocacy of sound public policy. LAVCA is a not-for-profit trade association serving a core membership of venture capital and private equity firms that invest in young, emerging companies.
For more information on LAVCA and its activities please visit www.lavca.org.
Contact:
Ramona DeNies
LAVCA
1 (503) 239-7449
[email protected]