BOGOTA, Colombia 

Latin American leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Wednesday.

At the videoconference event, they mainly shared their priorities for 2022, with a focus on the pandemic and reviving the economy.

Colombia’s President Ivan Duque said his country’s goal is to vaccinate its entire population this year.

He said Colombia has already vaccinated over 4 million citizens and its immunization drive is proceeding at pace.

Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso said his government’s goal is to sign trade agreements with 10 countries in Asia, Europe and North America within the next three years.

Hinting at a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery, Peru’s President Pedro Castillo said: “For several years now, the economic process in our region has gradually stalled, and inequalities have been exacerbated by the pandemic.”

He stressed that his administration will “take into account not only economic growth, but also the creation of appropriate employment, especially in health and education.”

Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado Quesada emphasized the need for regional solidarity, saying: “We must have a common agenda that transcends ideologies. The smartest regional strategy is solidarity. We have to consider that.”

Guatemala’s President Alejandro Giammattei said more than 100,000 people in the country are being vaccinated daily against COVID-19, vowing that the people and government of Guatemala will continue to resolutely fight the pandemic.

Mauricio Claver-Carone, president of the Inter-American Development Bank, and Marisol Argueta de Barillas, head of Latin America at the WEF, also participated in the panel discussion.

* Writing by Merve Berker​​​​​​​