# Professor Paul Romer Discusses Charter Cities With Octavio Sanchez of Honduras

On April 20, the NYU Stern [Latin American Business Association (LABA)](http://nyustern.campusgroups.com/laba/home/) held its third annual conference, “The Latin American Decade: Emerging Challenges and New Opportunities.” The conference closed with a fireside chat, titled, “Using Reform Zones to Change Norms and Law,” with Professor [Paul Romer](http://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/paul-romer) and Octavio Sanchez, the Chief of Staff to the President of Honduras. The two speakers discussed Professor Romer’s [charter city](http://chartercities.org/) concept and the economic and political climate in Honduras.

Professor Romer drew a parallel between charter cities and entrepreneurial ventures: “Start-ups are more willing to make bold moves than established corporations.”

![Professor Paul Romer Discusses Charter Cities With Octavio Sanchez of Honduras](/sites/default/files/assets/images/con_035866.jpg)

Octavio Sanchez discussed the Honduran political environment: “The political crisis [in Honduras] forced my government to do things that haven’t been done before.”

![Professor Paul Romer Discusses Charter Cities With Octavio Sanchez of Honduras](/sites/default/files/assets/images/con_035867.jpg)

Student Club Events

— 4/20/2012

![](/sites/default/files/styles/480w/public/assets/images/con_035870.jpg?itok=2WJCr20F)The political crisis [in Honduras] forced my government to do things that haven’t been done before.