From left, Cristina Eguizábal, Florida International University; Joseph S. Tulchin, Harvard University; Julia C. Strauss, University of London; Ariel C. Armony, University of Miami; Maria Hermínia Tavares de Almeida, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; Laura Gómez-Mera, University of Miami participate in one of the summit’s panel discussions.

The University of Miami’s Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) marked the successful launch of its Asia and Latin America in the 21st Century initiative by hosting more than 200 participants at the inaugural Miami’s Asia Summit on April 17 and the academic workshop “Asia and Latin America: Setting the Agenda,” which took place on April 18. The events are part of the center’s strategic development of a framework for the study of the interaction between Asia and Latin America in the coming decade.

Miami’s Asia Summit, hosted by CLAS and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, featured renowned experts and business professionals who addressed the new role of Asia in the Western Hemisphere. International experts on Asia and Latin America participated in three panel discussions, examining various issues affecting those regions.

Award-winning Miami Herald syndicated columnist Andres Oppenheimer and Univision News’s Stephen Keppel moderated the panels. Attendees participated in a luncheon featuring Craig Allen, deputy assistant secretary for Asia for the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Held at UM’s Newman Alumni Center, “Asia and Latin America: Setting the Agenda” brought together experts from several institutions in China, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States to discuss the new dynamics of the relationship between Asia and Latin America. The conference included remarks from UM President Donna E. Shalala and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Leonidas G. Bachas.

Papers, videos, and additional materials from the summit and conference will soon be available on at http://www.as.miami.edu/clas/.