From the perspective of Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) trade, the first decade of the 21st century was all about Asia. Driven by China’s strong growth and soaring demand for natural resources, trade between LAC and Asia grew at an annual average rate of 24 percent between 2003 and 2011. However, this once-dynamic relationship has now encountered serious headwinds. Trade … [Read more...] about How trade, investment and cooperation between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean can inspire our future trade relationship with Asia
Regional Integration
Indirect Exports: A Simple Route to Internationalization for SMEs?
In practically every country in the world, the percentage of large companies that export is much higher than the share of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that do so. This is due, among other factors, to the fact that large companies tend to have higher profit margins than SMEs and can thus underwrite the additional costs associated with the export process (e.g., … [Read more...] about Indirect Exports: A Simple Route to Internationalization for SMEs?
How Will New Technologies Impact Integration in Latin America?
Handling large volumes of information that are constantly being updated is one of the major challenges that we will be facing in the near future. Large companies use big data techniques every day to get to know their consumers better and to hone their marketing strategies. Countries are also using big data to update their investment attraction policies and promote trade … [Read more...] about How Will New Technologies Impact Integration in Latin America?
Local or Imported? What Behavioral Economics Has to Say about Integration
Pepsi or Coca-Cola? In 2003, the neuroscientist Read Montague at Virginia Tech relaunched the so-called cola wars between the world’s two best-known soft drinks when he invited volunteers to compare the taste of the two. Just like the first time the two brands faced off in a blind taste test, back in 1975, over half the volunteers claimed they preferred the taste of Pepsi, a … [Read more...] about Local or Imported? What Behavioral Economics Has to Say about Integration
The Importance of Inclusive Trade in Economic Development
This past two weeks, leaders from around the world gathered in New York to attend the United Nation’s General Assembly. One of the topics of discussion was the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a set of 17 goals focused on improving the prosperity of people and the planet. One of the recurring themes in the 2030 Agenda is the role of trade in supporting economic growth … [Read more...] about The Importance of Inclusive Trade in Economic Development