What do Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela have in common, apart from being members of the MERCOSUR? The fact that they are all countries where, as in Ecuador, there is significant public demand for greater integration with the world. Thanks to the new alliance between the Institute for the Integration of Latin America and the Caribbean (INTAL) and Latinobarómetro (link … [Read more...] about What does integration mean for Latin Americans?
International trade
Infrastructure, Trade, and Integration: the Case of the Pacific Alliance
A study published in 2013 by the IDB showed that high internal transport costs are a conditioning factor for exports in Latin America. They also encourage the concentration of economic activity and limit regional integration. These high internal transport costs are caused by limited investments in transportation infrastructure, the region’s challenging geography, and the type … [Read more...] about Infrastructure, Trade, and Integration: the Case of the Pacific Alliance
Five Highlights of China’s 13th Five-Year Plan that Matter to Latin America and the Caribbean
In March 2016, the Chinese government released its 13th Five-Year Plan at the end of the National People’s Congress Annual Meeting. The plan sets a blueprint for China’s policies and economic and social development goals for 2016–2020. With over 80 chapters, the document is full of details that are critical for informing LAC governments’ understanding of where China wants to be … [Read more...] about Five Highlights of China’s 13th Five-Year Plan that Matter to Latin America and the Caribbean
Bridging the Infrastructure Gap: Can infrastructure development improve trade competitiveness?
Over the last quarter century Latin America and the Caribbean have worked on opening their economies to international trade and investment. During that time, tariffs were cut in half, to less than 10 percent, and exports grew steadily, at an average of 10 percent a year. Yet despite this, Latin America has not been able to improve its position in international trade markets. … [Read more...] about Bridging the Infrastructure Gap: Can infrastructure development improve trade competitiveness?
Quick and secure way for international trade
Imagine that the place where you work has experienced a constant increase in business over the past 20 years. Imagine also that it has been forced to assume new responsibilities in order to satisfy the needs of its clients. And if that's not enough, imagine that there's been no increase in the human and financial resources available despite the increase in the workload and the … [Read more...] about Quick and secure way for international trade