US President Barack Obama turned the spotlight on economic ties with Latin America on Saturday as he wrapped up a three-day trip to a region roiled by drug violence. Obama sought to shift the narrative away from the drug war during visits to Mexico and Costa Rica this week, praising trade as a path to fighting poverty and creating jobs that turn young people away from a life of crime.

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica - Wrapping up a three-day trip to Latin America, President Barack Obama on Saturday emphasized the "enormous importance" he says the U.S. places on its trading relationships with countries in the region and said improving those ties will help them compete in a 21st century world. "If we do not have effective integration in our hemisphere, if we don't have the best education systems, the best regulatory systems, if we don't co-ordinate our activities, then we're going to fall behind other regions in the world," Obama said. "I'm confident that we can compete."

US President Barack Obama on Thursday nominated billionaire Hyatt hotels heiress and major Democratic campaign contributor Penny Pritzker as commerce secretary. Filling out his second term economics team, Obama also named Michael Froman, his top advisor on international economics, to be US Trade Representative and defend US trade interests around the world. Pritzker "is one of our country's most distinguished business leaders," Obama said.

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama on Wednesday tapped a veteran Democratic congressman to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency and a top fundraiser and former lobbyist to head up the Federal Communications Commission. Rep. Melvin Watt, D-N.C., would oversee federal mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.