In memory of Juan Francisco Rojas Penso - a tireless advocate of Latin American integration

In memory of Juan Francisco Rojas Penso

Juan Francisco Rojas Penso leaves an indelible mark on the scene of Latin American integration; he was both an expert with strategic vision and an intellectually honest ‘man of action’, with a restless energy. Juan Francisco was committed in his belief that regional integration and development came hand in hand.
 
Juan Francisco upheld the idea of regional integration and struggled head on to move the processes and institutions that could help realise it – initially from within his country of birth, Venezuela, where he navigated through the ups and downs of the process and the subsequent discussion and questioning. True to his convictions Juan Francisco was consistent and loyal to his beliefs, and unafraid of challenging convention.
 
But it was at the regional level where Juan Francisco stood out – in respect of his ability to build consensus and to push through initiatives that others had considered too difficult and demanding. He revived the Latin American Integration Association, re-defined its role and transformed it into an indispensable tool for  intra - Latin American trade negotiations.
 
He understood the role of ‘trade in services’ in regional integration and development, better and prior to others. With economic and political acumen, he was able to identify the long-term trends that determine the evolution of relations amongst Latin American countries.