Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Close to 900 top regional and global leaders from 70 nations are participating in the 2012 World Economic Forum on Latin America, which was inaugurated this morning by Mexico's President Felipe Calderón at the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center, and will continue through April 18th.

Global Information Technology is on today's agenda. Over the past decade, The Global Information Technology Report series has become the most comprehensive and respected international assessment of the preparedness of economies to leverage the networked economy. This research provides a platform for public-private dialogue on best policies and for determining what actions will further national ICT readiness and innovation potential.

Under the theme "Regional Transformation in a New Global Context," leaders will shape a strategic vision for the region’s growth, gain understanding of its global potential and align stakeholders around that vision to inspire its realization.

In addition to participating heads of state and government: Désiré Bouterse, President of the Republic of Suriname; Felipe Calderón, President of Mexico; Ricardo Martinelli, President of Panama; Otto Perez Molina, President of Guatemala; Mariano Rajoy Brey, Prime Minister of Spain; and Norway's Crown Prince Haakon; Secretaries of Economy, Communications, Treasury, Agriculture, Health and Energy, as well as business leaders from around the world, will take part in today's forum.