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"BUSINESS
MEETING BETWEEN
FATHERS AND SONS"
PRESS CONFERENCE
MAY 2004
From
left to right: Julio mario Santo Domingo, José Pepe
Fanjul,
Carlos Slim and Gustavo Cisneros.
CARLOS SLIM
"The business encounter between fathers and sons"
turned out as an exchange of business occasions: It was an
interchange of activity on the part of those foundations which
belong to those businessmen in attendance, how each foundation
works and interchange of information about different projects.
At present a Latin America Association of this same interchange
was founded in order that such an organization would become
permanent and the importance of Latin American identity was
also discussed, together with the role played by the media
in our culture. We also commented on the importance of basic
facts such as the growth of employment and what is the situational
state or status of general poverty. These are basically the
topic we touched. The work was done in three days and yesterday
was especially intense as we interchanged ideas and proposals
for over ten hours.. "We
had the out going president of the Dominican Republic Mr.
Hipólito Mejía in attendance as well as Don
Felipe Gonzalez ex-president of Spain, and the acting president
of Panama Don Martin Torrijos".
THE PRESS: VENEVISIÓN, VENEZUELA
How is experiential knowledge gathered in social development
and the healing process in scars left by poverty. Is this
the new role played by businessmen to fight poverty?
GUSTAVO CISNEROS
Without a doubt communications are at the forefront of modern
equipment and constitute the instruments needed for the
educational process. We can use internet as n example and
its specialized usage to enhance the educational process
and can solve problems pertinent to growth development among
Latin American Countries. Among things that originate from
here is that each one tells of his experiences.
Televisa
tells it. The Globe Group tells it, The Cisneros Group tells
of its experiences, the Slim Group tells theirs and so does
the Santo Domingo Group. All these experiences were picked
up.
THE PRESS:: LA VERDAD, ECUADOR
All the businessmen that are here are very important and
all of them together can pay Latin America's foreign debt.
The meeting being held at the moment brings about an evaluation
of problems indigenous to Latin America but from an objective
viewpoint as seen from outside they do not have the power
to take decisions that could change the macroeconomic situation
in their respective nations. As we observe two presidents
of nations, you could get the impression that there is a
new closeness being fostered with the political sector so
that these decisions begin to be adopted and hence incorporated
into the life of Latin Americans?
CARLOS SLIM
Well
I think it was clear what was commented regarding the experiential
interchange and above all concrete proposals, adjustments
regarding economic growth as well as an increase in the
rate of employment. It is fundamental that all segments
in the private sector and the businessmen that comprise
it instill dynamism in the financing aspect and the economic
development of Latin America. That is to say, there are
many projects that are not concluded in Latin America due
to fiscal limitations. Several of those projects are deemed
viable if they are channeled trough the private sector because
of the limitations aforementioned. On the other hand foundations
which play an important role in the social aspect will not
solve the problems caused as a consequence of poverty, but
rather employment is the solution.
THE PRESS: TELEVISA, MÉXICO
What
results has this new meeting given, since it is the second
one?
JOSÉ FANJUL
I
think it has been great. We can observe great enthusiasm
in the next generation insofar as improving the situation
in countries where democracy has been adopted.
Democracy
works when people are well fed and the country, as a whole,
can live better. The concept of the common good is very
important for the next generation as well as the older people,
that is to say, welfare for all. We have seen lately, businessmen,
of great importance, punished by the law if they break it.
It is important that the next generation take stock of this
situation including judges, etc so that the law can truly
be blind.
CARLOS SLIM
We
have to add, in addition, that many more young people were
seen at this meeting and the majority reports were submitted
by them. Young people had great participation at this meeting
as well as the interplay with their elders present. I am
convinced that generation of younger people coming along
is very strong and well educated, much more so than we were,
as well as very self-confident in their valuable contribution
to the future of Latin America.
GUSTAVO CISNEROS
Well
we will say that this group has great personal quality as
well as a great sense of responsibility, and clear ideas
insofar as what they want for Latin America and to secure
a more prosperous, democratic and just continent. The combination
of intelligence and hard work shown by these boys at the
meeting are important, at least in that area which is pertinent
to development in their respective countries.
THE PRESS: TELEVISA, MÉXICO
The
ever growing globalization tends to eliminate frontiers
but the identity of each country as well?
Do
the media and business communities have a tendency to use
their resources to promote the nation's own culture?
GUSTAVO CISNEROS
Well,
the media such as Televisa and Venevision are global companies
certainly; however we are careful in having local communications.
We essentially export our culture, that is, in the case
of Televisa and Venevision. Our Latin American personality
is, to a great extend, known due to our soap opera shown
in the United States. The quality our technical crew displays
both in the human aspect as well as the technical expertise,
in addition to great variety, helps us to grow beyond our
borders. Always our flag showing, and secondly due to the
Spanish language and in third place, because of the coverage
given by Latin America.
JULIO MARIO SANTO DOMINGO
I
would like to say, I am totally in accord with what has
been said here so far, and among all this the main and most
important element is to avoid situations like Cuba from
occurring, the United States did not help defend Cuba. On
the other hand the fact that we are all doing the same thing
makes me believe that there will not be changes for the
worst because the friendship and understanding that exits
here is useful to strengthen democracy. I think this is
an important point to keep in mind between the union that
exists nowadays among those in the business sector and the
commitments all of us south Americans have in defending
south Americans and that point, it seems is very important.
THE PRESS: LA VERDAD, ECUADOR
Is
the existing scenario today in Latin America, propitious
for investment at mid-term?
GUSTAVO CISNEROS
Well,
I think yes. Everything is well. Brazil is doing fine, Mexico
is doing well, Central America is alright, Colombia is in
good shape and so is the economic situation in Peru and
Argentina.
THE PRESS: LA VERDAD, ECUADOR
And
Ecuador?
GUSTAVO CISNEROS
Ecuador
is alright. Ecuador I think is lacking somewhat insofar
as the macroeconomic picture. It needs more investment,
better marketing of its own reality and certain key elements
like confidence. However I think it has gone over the hill,
and certainly the panoramic view for Ecuador will definitely
unfold if it has a sound project.
CARLOS SLIM
Well,
I think all those sectors that have been left behind in
Latin America are of great potential for investment. Of
course, this is true with much work. In all Latin American
countries we have these stragglers, in infrastructure, housing
and many other areas. These left-behind situations are solved
with much work and investment potential.
JOSÉ FANJUL
The
only thing I wanted to say is that Mr. Santo Domingo is
a very important investor in Ecuador as, for example, he
owns the brewery and there you can see the trust and the
power inherent in the confidence they have and we have.
THE PRESS: LA VERDAD
What
about corruption?
JULIO MARIO SANTO DOMINGO
I
think in acountry where there is money, there is corruption.
CARLOS SLIM
I
think in order to abate or reduce corruption partially you
need judicial security, crystal-clear rules and the gradual
elimination of arbitrary official ruling.
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