As a development bank, the IDB is always looking for opportunities to improve lives in the Americas. Working directly with government officials and in dialogue with civil society and the private sector, our teams have witnessed the development of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) firsthand. We analyze challenges and come up with innovative ways of overcoming obstacles that … [Read more...] about ConnectAmericas celebrates 10 years of connecting businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean
Trade Promotion
The Impact of Voluntary Sustainability Standards on Agricultural Exports: Friends or Foes?
Agricultural commodities make up a substantial portion of exports for many developing countries, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This means that any changes in agricultural practices can significantly impact their trade flows. Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) are private certifications that ensure products and production processes meet a wide … [Read more...] about The Impact of Voluntary Sustainability Standards on Agricultural Exports: Friends or Foes?
Navigating an Evolving Global Economy: The Future of Korea-LAC Relations
In recent decades, the relationship between Korea and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has flourished amidst a period of unprecedented international economic cooperation. However, the recent proliferation of trade barriers and subsidies poses new challenges. What does this mean for Korea-LAC relations? A recent report by the IDB argues that despite these challenges, … [Read more...] about Navigating an Evolving Global Economy: The Future of Korea-LAC Relations
Toward greater regulatory cooperation for trade
As tariffs continue to decrease worldwide, technical measures like sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT) have become relatively more important as potential obstacles to international trade. The literature has focused particularly on the potential obstacles arising from differences in national regulations, a situation known as … [Read more...] about Toward greater regulatory cooperation for trade
Latin America’s Role in Global Food Security: Trade, investment, and sustainable transformations
In a world where the bounty of food surpasses the caloric needs of its population, it is paradoxical that hunger and food insecurity persist on a grand scale. Global food provision offers approximately 2.980 kcal per person per day—well above the 1.830 kcal needed to avoid undernourishment. Yet around 735 million people or 9.2% of world population, still face … [Read more...] about Latin America’s Role in Global Food Security: Trade, investment, and sustainable transformations