MEMORANDUM
FOR ALL FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE
WESTERN HEMISPHERE POSTS

FROM:            Walter Bastian
                       DAS for the Western Hemisphere

SUBJECT:      The Americas Innovation Forum

As you may be aware, the Government of Uruguay, at the request of the Department of Commerce and Secretary Gutierrez, will be hosting the Americas Innovation Forum (AIF) in Punta Del Este, Uruguay, March 30-April 1, 2008.   The Department has been providing technical assistance to the Government of Uruguay as they prepare to convene the Forum and we expect senior level Commerce participation, either Secretary Gutierrez or Under Secretary Padilla. 

Among other efforts on the part of the Department to support the Government of Uruguay in making the AIF a success, we are asking that FCS Posts in the Western Hemisphere encourage their respective business communities to participate/attend the Forum and promulgate materials regarding the Forum in appropriate fora (e.g. AmChams, local Trade Associations, national Innovation Councils, etc.). 

The AIF is a follow up to the Department’s June 2007 Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF). The Forum will expand on the themes and topics of the first ACF, particularly in the field of innovation, and help set the stage for discussions at the second annual Americas Competitiveness Forum scheduled to be held on Aug. 17-19, 2008, in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Website www.fia2008.com.uy contains details regarding the topics, speakers, and registration.  We will continue to pass additional information and marketing material to you as it becomes available from the AIF’s Organizing Committee.

If you have any questions about the AIF, please do not hesitate to contact Alex Peacher, Uruguay Desk, USDOC, at 202-482-3872, or by e-mail Alexander_Peacher@N0SPAM.ita.doc.gov .