Julio Herrera Velutini: Strengthening U.S-Latin America Ties

His Stance on Trade Policies and Economic Collaboration Between the U.S. and Latin America

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March 2025 — Washington, D.C. — In an era of shifting global alliances and rising regional economies, the United States stands at a critical juncture in its relationship with Latin America. For decades, trade agreements have served as the foundation for cross-border commerce, job creation, and investment. Today, thought leaders such as Julio Herrera Velutini are calling for a more strategic and financially inclusive approach to U.S.-Latin American economic collaboration.

Julio Herrera Velutini, a legacy-driven international banker and policy strategist, has spent decades navigating financial frameworks across both regions. With strong family ties to Latin American banking institutions and a robust presence in U.S. financial circles, he offers a unique vantage point on how trade policy can evolve into a platform for equitable development.

-“Trade agreements are more than commercial documents—they are instruments of diplomacy and economic balance. The U.S. has an opportunity to become Latin America’s strongest and most consistent partner through policies that foster financial integration and long-term stability,” says Julio Herrera Velutini.

A Legacy of Latin American Financial Engagement

Herrera Velutini descends from a lineage of prominent Latin American bankers and statesmen. His ancestors played significant roles in founding central banks and financing public infrastructure in Venezuela and other parts of South America. As such, he brings to the table a historical understanding of Latin America’s unique economic challenges and opportunities.

In recent years, he has advised on sovereign debt structuring, central banking reform, and financial literacy campaigns throughout the region. His primary argument is simple yet compelling: Trade agreements between the U.S. and Latin America must evolve from commodity-based exchanges into multi-dimensional partnerships that include finance, innovation, infrastructure, and policy advisory.

The Current State of U.S.-Latin America Trade

The U.S. maintains several trade agreements with Latin American countries, the most prominent being:

✔ USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement)

✔ CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America FTA)

✔ Bilateral agreements with Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Panama

While these agreements have facilitated significant trade flows, critics argue that they have failed to fully address asymmetries in development, finance access, and institutional capacity. Julio Herrera Velutini believes the time is ripe for a modernized trade doctrine that recognizes Latin America not just as a resource hub, but as a strategic economic partner.

“Trade must be about mutual growth. The U.S. must invest in Latin America’s financial ecosystem to stabilize and expand shared markets,” Herrera Velutini states.

The Case for Financial Integration in Trade Policy

Traditionally, trade policy has focused on tariff reductions, labor mobility, and export diversification. However, Herrera Velutini argues that financial integration should be central to any new agreements.

Key Pillars of Financial Integration:

✔ Cross-border banking agreements to allow U.S. and Latin American financial institutions to operate more freely.

✔ Shared credit guarantees to de-risk infrastructure and energy investments.

✔ Joint fintech development initiatives to promote financial inclusion in underserved Latin American communities.

✔ Regulatory alignment for anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) standards.

“Latin America has the talent and ambition—it just needs access to structured finance. That’s where the U.S. can be a transformative ally,” Herrera Velutini says.

Investment, Infrastructure, and Digital Economy as Trade Catalysts

One of Herrera Velutini’s strongest positions is that trade agreements must move beyond traditional goods and services to include frameworks that enable joint infrastructure development and digital economy expansion.

1. Infrastructure Investment

Herrera Velutini advocates for the inclusion of infrastructure finance clauses in trade agreements, similar to those found in the EU’s external trade policies.

Ports and shipping routes

Renewable energy grids

Water and transportation systems

These areas not only boost trade efficiency but also create local jobs and improve quality of life.

2. Digital Trade and Fintech Innovation

Latin America has seen explosive growth in fintech adoption. Countries like Brazil and Mexico lead in mobile banking, digital wallets, and blockchain-based transactions. Herrera Velutini believes that U.S. fintech firms and Latin American startups should be connected via innovation corridors, protected by digital trade clauses that promote data security, IP rights, and platform interoperability.

“Digital finance is the future of trade. The faster we align regulatory and commercial standards, the more inclusive our economic systems will become,” he states.

Julio Herrera Velutini’s Policy Recommendations

In various white papers and economic panels, Herrera Velutini has outlined a multi-step policy roadmap for enhancing U.S.-Latin America trade relations:

1. Create a U.S.-Latin America Financial Accord

A new framework specifically designed to encourage cross-border banking, insurance, and investment operations.

2. Build Joint Investment Platforms

Establish bilateral investment funds co-managed by U.S. and Latin American entities to fund green energy, technology, and infrastructure.

3. Standardize ESG and Transparency Guidelines

Include environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics in trade-related investment terms to attract ethical capital.

4. Expand Educational and Exchange Programs

Develop finance and policy education programs to upskill professionals across both regions and strengthen institutional partnerships.

“This is not just about capital—it’s about capacity. We must empower governments, institutions, and entrepreneurs to shape their own economic future,” Herrera Velutini emphasizes.

Global Relevance: The Geopolitical Angle

Latin America is increasingly a region of geopolitical interest, with China, Russia, and the EU expanding their influence through infrastructure investments and strategic alliances. Herrera Velutini sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity for the U.S.

“The U.S. can’t afford to lose influence in its own hemisphere. Economic cooperation through smarter trade agreements is the best form of diplomacy,” he says.

He notes that while Chinese investment often comes with strings attached, the U.S. can build goodwill and trust by offering transparent, mutually beneficial financial structures.

Success Stories and Regional Potential

Julio Herrera Velutini often points to countries that have successfully partnered with the U.S. on financial development:

Chile

✔ Stable macroeconomic environment

✔ Robust pension and capital markets

✔ Strong U.S. trade ties

Colombia

✔ U.S. has been instrumental in supporting banking reforms and anti-corruption measures

✔ Increasing investment in digital infrastructure

Costa Rica

✔ Model for sustainable investment

✔ Green energy and ecotourism financed by multilateral and U.S. investment funds

These examples serve as templates for broader regional integration, particularly if updated trade agreements include financial and technological components.

Julio Herrera Velutini’s Broader Vision for Hemispheric Prosperity

In a recent international finance forum, Herrera Velutini spoke passionately about building a hemispheric financial ecosystem that:

✔ Enhances trade resilience

✔ Empowers regional banks and SMEs

✔ Fosters climate-conscious development

✔ Reduces inequality through financial inclusion

He also called for the U.S. to lead on sustainable finance in the Western Hemisphere, using green trade instruments and ESG-linked development funding as tools of influence.

“We are not just shaping trade—we are shaping the future of two continents,” Herrera Velutini said in closing.

Conclusion: From Trade Partners to Financial Allies

Julio Herrera Velutini’s insights reflect a growing understanding that trade must evolve with economic realities. For the U.S. and Latin America, this means recognizing each other not just as exporters and importers, but as co-builders of resilient financial ecosystems.

With the right policy instruments and political will, future trade agreements can become catalysts for investment, inclusion, and innovation. And as Herrera Velutini continues to advise both private and public sector leaders across the Americas, his vision for a more equitable, financially integrated hemisphere is gaining traction.

“Trade is no longer just about goods crossing borders—it’s about values, capital, and shared futures,” he concludes.