Francesc Saigí,[i] Imma Alberch,[ii] and Juan Blyde[iii] Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of new telemedicine services to improve people’s health. Likewise, social distancing measures, the lack of experts, and the large extensions of countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) drove the adoption of international … [Read more...] about Promoting international telemedicine in Latin America
What is the Carbon Footprint of Latin American and Caribbean Exports?
Did you know that Latin America and the Caribbean’s export-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions grew considerably in the last 25 to 30 years? And that both the production and transportation of goods contributed to such growth? This is what we found in the study Footprint of Export-Related GHG Emissions from Latin America and the Caribbean, an initial step in the … [Read more...] about What is the Carbon Footprint of Latin American and Caribbean Exports?
Why Are Shipping Costs Increasing? What US Import Data Tell Us
The cost of shipping goods has risen rapidly during the past 18 months. The average freight rate of US imports, based on cargo value, has gained a full percentage point relative to pre-pandemic levels (see Figure 1).[1] The average freight cost of a global 40-foot container has increased more than five times since the pandemic started, with routes such as Shanghai-to-Los … [Read more...] about Why Are Shipping Costs Increasing? What US Import Data Tell Us
How can we increase gender equality in Latin America and the Caribbean firms?
Only 14% of firms in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) belong to women, and they hold just 15% of management positions. These are some of the findings of a new IDB Group study that reveals the extent of gender inequality in companies in the region and offers recommendations to achieve greater … [Read more...] about How can we increase gender equality in Latin America and the Caribbean firms?
Blockchain technology: a new opportunity for international trade
The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have an incredible opportunity within their reach. By leveraging blockchain technology, they could increase trade within the region and with the rest of the world and help shore up the economic recovery. To help more countries and users understand blockchain better, the IDB’s Integration and Trade Sector and its … [Read more...] about Blockchain technology: a new opportunity for international trade