A LEAP FORWARD
TBY talks to Juan Manuel Santos, President of Colombia, on synergies in Latin America.

What is your vision for creating greater harmony and equality on the continent through education?
I believe there is a greater conscience throughout the hemisphere of the crucial role that education must play in the development of our nations. It is a common understanding that without education we cannot prosper or have more equal societies; this leads to constructive conversations about common purposes that put some of the old debates behind us. In Latin America specifically we simply haven't done enough to harness the talents of our citizens and we must cooperate amongst ourselves and with others in order to leap forward. The world isn't waiting for us to catch up. This spirit was certainly reflected in the most recent Summit. Colombia proposed the creation of an Interamerican Education System that can support governments in formulating policies that will significantly improve the quality of education and increase investments in knowledge, science and technology. Our proposal was well received at the summit to the extent that the OAS, the IADB (Inter-American Development Bank) and the CAF (Latin American Development Bank) all signed a letter of intent in which they agreed to promptly put in motion the actions needed to move forward on this initiative.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Year In Review
What A Year
Impressive growth figures far ahead of the Latin American average are a testament to the government's business-friendly policies. The resolution of Canal expansion in 2015 should also provide a boost, with dollar appreciation the most dangerous shark in the water.
read articleInterview
HE Luis Ernesto Carles, Minister , Labor and Workforce Development
TBY talks to HE Luis Ernesto Carles, Minister of Labor and Workforce Development, on the current state of the Panamanian labor market, and the ministry's coordinated efforts with the private sector to train human capital.
read articleInterview
HE Alcibíades Vásquez Velásquez, Minister , Social Development
TBY talks to HE Alcibíades Vásquez Velásquez, Minister of Social Development, on the importance of developing high-risk groups in Panamanian society, and working with national and international organization to address illiteracy and unemployment.
read articleInterview
Carlos G. Fernandez, President, Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture
TBY talks to Carlos G. Fernandez, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, on the Chamber's involvement in the nation's economy and politics over the decades, and the advantages the Panamanian market offers to international investors.
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Ricaurte “Catín” Vásquez, CEO, Central America and the Caribbean at General Electric (GE)
TBY talks to Ricaurte “Catín" Vásquez, CEO for Central America and the Caribbean at General Electric (GE), on emerging demand segments, modernizing the power grid, and the potential of LNG.
read articleFocus: LNG
Building Pressure
Today, LNG business is not a part of canal operations. The expansion of the canal, to be completed in April 2016, will open new routes for the transport of LNG through the waterway, offering interesting opportunities for the operators of the sector to enhance their business.
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Dr. Jorge A. Motta, National Secretary, Science, Technology and Innovation at SENACYT
TBY talks to Dr. Jorge A. Motta, National Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation at SENACYT, on partnering with educational institutions, promoting innovation, and modernizing the private sector.
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Jose Ramón Icaza, General Manager, Mar Azul Project Management
TBY talks to Jose Ramón Icaza, General Manager for Mar Azul Project Management, on trends in the construction sector, the impediments to developing beach-front real estate projects, and consolidation and expansion.
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HE Jorge Arango Arias, Minister , Agricultural Development
TBY talks to HE Jorge Arango Arias, Minister of Agricultural Development, on the developmental strategy for the industry, the importance of utilizing new technology, and the plan to attract foreign investment in the sector.
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Vilma Moreno de Arias, Executive Director, Centro Medico Paitilla (CMP
TBY talks to Vilma Moreno de Arias, Executive Director of Centro Medico Paitilla (CMP) and Dr. Ramon Crespo Berges, Medical Director, on how the health sector is evolving, the importance of human capital, and future of the industry.
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Joaquin Villar-Garcia, Rector, Columbus University
TBY talks to Joaquin Villar-Garcia, President of the Directors' Council and Rector of Columbus University, on the evolution of education on Panama, important achievement of the university, and ensuring an internatioanl standard of instruction.
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