President Barack Obama's challenge at the Summit of the Americas is convincing U.S. business that he is serious about expanding trade in the Americas while persuading Latin American leaders to look northward once again.

It's not an easy task. Obama faces trade competition from China, resistance from U.S. labor and a passel of thorny regional issues that could dilute any focus on trade. Further complicating his mission is the unwanted distraction of Secret Service agents in Cartagena relieved of duty on allegations of misconduct.

Obama sets the tone Saturday when he meets with top CEOs from
the hemisphere who are holding their own parallel high level meeting. Among those expected are top executives from Walmart,
PepsiCo, Yahoo and Caterpillar.