Day 1: World Economic Forum

Today was the start of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland with the participants emphasizing the use of creativity to continue economic development, search for peace and stability and assure the prosperity of all the world's citizens. The hot topics at the inaguration were fear that the world economy and specially the US economy lived in an unchecked bubble, the rise of China and labour market problems worldwide.

Mexico's and Latin America's participation at this year's World Economic Forum will be quite limited but not necessarily because of lack of interest by the World in our region. Instead, the absence of most of the region's leaders confirms the feeling that perhaps Latin America does not see itself in the ranks with India and China. In this fashion, it is sad then to confirm that we are throwing in the towel and letting Latin America as a whole fall of the Davos map simply because it is believed that the economic power centre is shifting East to those two nations and the once Southeast Tigers, Japan and South Korea.

Latin America should learn from this. Instead of having leaders complain about the world economy and visit the alternative "anti-globalization" summits, they should continue to go to the World Economic forum and promote the region. We are not an "also ran", we can be an India + China + Latin America! Mexico can definetely also learn to open up to the structural reforms that our country needs to better our economy and competitivity, without removing the vital aspects of our social safe net. Mexico still has a chance, as does most Latin America. We just have to learn that globalization, reform & strict fiscal policy aren't enemies of the people but enablers that will allow all of us to participate in the global economy.

Tags: Current events, International, In the News, Latin America, Davos, Mexico