Alexandra Moreira, Secretary General of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), participated in the High-Level Business Round Table of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean, entitled “Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Integration: Opportunities for Growth”.
The EU-CELAC Business Roundtable held on July 17, focused on the main areas of the Global Agenda of Gateway Investments and discussed investment opportunities in various sectors, such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, decarbonization, infrastructure projects, connectivity, digitization, utilities, sustainable finance and green bonds.
During her speech, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of understanding the Amazon from a holistic and integral perspective, taking into account its territorial vastness and geopolitical relevance, as well as its economic, environmental, social and cultural potential.
Moreira emphasized the need to implement a development model that addresses the social and economic conditions of the Amazon population, while ensuring the conservation of the forest and the protection of biodiversity. She highlighted the role of technical and financial cooperation, as well as political dialogue and the implementation of concrete actions to promote the integration of the Amazon countries.
In that regard, the Secretary General of ACTO, mentioned two areas in which companies can cooperate and invest in the Amazon region. The first concerns the enormous potential of Amazon socio-biodiversity products in international markets. Moreira emphasized that currently the participation of Amazon companies in this market is minimal and highlighted the need to address challenges such as access to financial resources, information, technology, innovation and appropriate public policies to promote the sustainable development of these enterprises.
The second area mentioned by the Secretary-General was green, resilient, digital and innovative infrastructure in the Amazon region. She emphasized that there are cities in the Amazon that require significant investments in basic services such as drinking water, sanitation and solid waste management. Moreira urged the private sector to contribute their knowledge, technology and investment in these projects, which are fundamental to improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of the region.
