Caribbean Central American Action CENTRAL AMERICAN ENERGY SUPPLY SECURITY FORUM “Securing Tomorrow’s Energy Supply Today” 14 -16 May 2008, Panama City, Panama Intercontinental Miramar Hotel

Download the Invitation Package (English or Español) (PDF)

CONTEXT
Energy security refers to having access to a reliable supply of affordable energy. Energy security, or security of supply, is a key component of energy policy in all countries. Since all economic activity requires the use of energy resources, the continuing availability of energy at a price that protects economic growth is a major concern not only to governments but to business and industry as well.

Since Central America is a net importer of fuel products, the concept of energy security requires special attention. As our economies grow, business and industry expands and as our populations demand more energy, important demand and supply side challenges arise. But there are also opportunities to exploit new energy resources and to create efficiencies in current supply systems and policies that can meet these challenges. To move forward and achieve reliable energy supplies at rates that are affordable and economically sustainable, we must hear the views of all stakeholders including suppliers, users, regulators and new entrepreneurs. In this way, the future energy security of all of Central America can be realized.

There are several key factors that influence Energy Security in the region. These will be discussed during the forum in addition to the steps that are being taken to ensure Panama’s supply security – a country whose energy security is critical to the security of neighboring countries as it is one of the top international business centers in the region and a major transit port.

FOCUS AREAS

• The State of Central American Energy Security
• Economic Progress and Energy Demands
• Formulating a Comprehensive Energy Strategy
• Fossil Fuels: The Bridge to the Future
• Strategies to Increase Energy Supply
• Potential of Renewable Energy Resources

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

• Review Energy Security and infrastructure successes and challenges at a regional level
• Reemphasize the role of fossil fuel in economic development at present and for the future
• Obtain the viewpoint from the demand side of business and industry energy users.
• Identify other types of energy options like renewables and other energy policy models for future energy security

TARGET AUDIENCE
Government leaders, energy sector executives, investors, private sector executives, academic experts and business leaders from Panama and the wider Central American region including Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Belize, Columbia; as well as the U.S. business and investment leaders with energy sector interests in the Central American region.

CONFERENCE FORMAT
Full day session featuring two keynote presentations that will set the tone for interactive panel discussions following each speaker.

Caribbean Central American Action
Caribbean Central American Action (CCAA) is a private, independent organization whose mission, Strengthening The Third Border®, is centered on promoting private sector-led sustainable economic development in Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) beneficiary countries. It serves its goal of improving the economic well being of the people living in the Caribbean and Central America by stimulating a constructive dialogue between the private and public sectors to improve the policy and regulatory environments for business on both the international and local level. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., CCAA is governed by an international Board of Trustees and funded primarily by contributions from companies with a direct or indirect stake in the region’s prosperity.

US-Panama Business Council
The U.S.-Panama Business Council (USPA) was created to foster business opportunities and understanding between the two countries, especially since the Canal administration transferred to Panama, which has in effect changed the traditional relationship. A truly bi-national organization, USPA has a Chapter both in Panama and the United States with a fully staffed office, and representatives from both countries serve on its Boards.

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