We are delighted to feature two distinguished Columbia alumni - H.E. Ambassador Agustin Garcia-Lopez Loaeza (BA '84, MA '86) and Patricia Armendariz (PhD '90) - in a conversation on Mexico's investment environment, importance in global supply chains, and bilateral relationship with Singapore. Ms. Armendariz, a member of the Chamber of Deputies and noted business and media personality, will share her experiences in entrepreneurship and evolving opportunities in Mexico. The discussion will also be joined by Mr. Sebastian Garcia-Lopez de Llano, a leading entrepreneur focused on a more conscious and purpose-driven investment environment.

The discussion will be followed by a reception featuring Mexican cuisine and beverages. Please join us for a unique occasion to learn more about emerging trends in a key global economy.

About the speakers:

H.E. Agustin Garcia-Lopez Loaeza, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to Singapore

Holding a Bachelor and Masters in Economics, Ambassador Garica-Lopez Loaeza joined the Mexican Foreign Service in 1991. He has been executive director of the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXID), general director of Economic Affairs and general director of Economic Cooperation and Development Organizations. Overseas, he has served as Mexico's ambassador to Canada and France, as well as a permanent representative to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and in charge of economic affairs at the Embassy of Mexico in the United Kingdom. He was part of the Executive Board of the Inter-American Development Bank and the Inter-American Investment Corporation representing Mexico and the Dominican Republic. 

Patricia Armendáriz, Member of the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico

Patricia Armendáriz studied actuarial mathematics in UNAM and holds a master’s in economic development from Cambridge and a doctorate in economy from Columbia. She was involved in the negotiation of financial services in the first trade agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada. She was previously vice-president in CNBV and associate director of International Payment Banks. In 2002, she joined Banorte as advisor to the president of the board. She went on to establish Credipyme and later Financiera Sustentable to support SMEs and the bottom of the economic pyramid. Ms. Armendáriz was a host on the Mexico version of "Shark Tank" for several seasons. In 2021, she became a member of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Mexican congress.

Mr. Sebastian Garcia-Lopez de Llano

Currently the Managing Partner at Ananda Ventures, the first hybrid CV / Micro PE fund in Mexico, Sebastian focuses on disrupting traditional venture capital norms by sourcing, analyzing, and investing in start-ups that promise to transform industries in Latin America. he also co-founded Openminder, a thriving community of over 500 leaders committed to fostering innovation and based in Mexico City. Sebastian thrives on connecting with innovative founders and teams, believing that aligning capital with visionary entrepreneurs can change the world. 

Event details:

Date: Saturday, 27 April 2024

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Residence of the Mexican Ambassador to Singapore

Address: 1A Ewart Park, Singapore 279772

Tickets: $30 for paid CAA Singapore members, $51 for non-members

To become a paid CAA Singapore member, please click here. If you are unsure of your membership status, please contact us at [email protected].