The initiative will include support from the Inter-American Development Bank and CAF to improve physical connectivity in the region.
The two countries are seeking to simplify and streamline the entry and exit process for goods at customs facilities.
As pro-tempore president of the MERCOSUR, Brazil guaranteed that it would fast-track negotiations in the hope of presenting the agreement at the upcoming WTO conference.
Eight countries will receive training from Korea and will share their experiences. They are seeking to simplify public intervention formalities and make these more transparent.
The upgrading project includes technological development, digitization, infrastructure work, and new trade policy measures.
The Caribbean Community continues to strengthen its trade system with the aim of repositioning itself in the global economy.
The two countries are seeking to expand their export offer in the short term by breathing new life into negotiations.
The agreement increases each MERCOSUR member’s opportunities for trade with new markets.
The two countries have expressed interest in formalizing an agreement in the short term, given the possibilities of opening up other markets through this connection between the two regions.
Both countries would expand their export market if the agreement is formalized.
The two countries are continuing to make progress toward reaching a broad, innovative trade agreement. Authorities expect that the final draft of the text will be completed during the next round of negotiations.
The bloc has been debating the steps it should take toward reducing poverty, improving food security, and protecting the environment.
A meeting of high-level government officials ended with an exchange of opinions with a view preparing a regional agenda for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The two countries are still holding working meetings with a view to reaching trade agreements that will cover issues that include the space industry.
Authorities from regional economic blocs met with experts on international trade policy to debate the trade-related challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Caribbean.
Authorities from the two countries will evaluate the feasibility of an electrical interconnection plan. They will also look at interconnection with Argentina.
The announcement came at the 12th Pacific Alliance Summit. The bloc is seeking to expand its markets and has established bilateral agreements that will connect it with the Asia-Pacific.
The measure was implemented in 2015 to try to mitigate the impact of plummeting oil prices.
Peru continues to seek new Asian markets and is negotiating the possibility of exporting new products to China.
Some 20 years after the agreement entered into force, the two countries have reformulated parts of it and added two new sections, one of which focuses on gender.
The two countries have made progress on creating a group to promote small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in less-developed regions.
The Argentine government has formally established a unit to fully implement this system, which will be led by the Secretariat of Commerce.
The joining of the two countries’ trade borders marks the creation of the first customs territory in the Americas.
The Caribbean Community celebrated 25 years of bilateral relations and the technical cooperation it receives from Argentina.
The two countries remain committed to forging closer, mutually beneficial ties.
The bloc is seeking to create attractive internal markets so as to achieve greater international competitiveness that will benefit all members.
The two blocs are seeking to consolidate trade through a preferential tariff system
Bolivia continues to seek access to the sea to improve trade. It is considering different alternatives, which include negotiations with Argentina and Paraguay.
The main focus is on SMEs, which seek to export products with value added.
The new mechanism seeks to facilitate and improve infrastructure in the region and improve the competitiveness of the private sector.
An official visit to China to take part in the Silk Road Forum led to the signing of agreements that the two countries had been negotiating.
The two South American countries are currently drafting an agreement with a view to formalizing it this year.
The focus of negotiations is on expanding the supply of grains, which are essential to Mexico's trade in livestock products.
Representatives from the two blocs reiterated the importance of expanding ties with foreign partners.
Data mining determines the behavior pattern of companies that might be evading taxes.
The full implementation of the project will bring about an additional 1% annual growth in GDP.
The government has lifted the disqualification of sanitary records for meat products from Brazil.
The bloc seeks to expand its trade ties with the world and renew its ties with one of the world’s largest economies.
Ministers of the economy and finance from PA member countries worked together to draft an action plan to consolidate the bloc’s economic and financial relations.
The aim of the document is to create a space for investment within the bloc and increase guarantees for local and foreign investors.
The third round of negotiations for the modernization of the free trade agreement between Mexico and the European Union has concluded.
The Caribbean Community Steps up the Struggle against Climate Change.
The Pacific Alliance is seeking to expand its economic relations through free trade agreements.
The two blocs held a much-anticipated meeting and agreed on the importance of integrating with one another given the current context of international uncertainty.
The two countries renewed their bilateral relations and committed to working together on various issues related to trade and investment.
The Southern Common Market is seeking to consolidate its internal structures with a view to integrating better into global trade, especially through trade agreements with other blocs.
The two parties have reached the end of their analysis periods and are moving toward the formalization of a trade agreement.
Between January and December 2016, Peru’s exports to India grew by 37.4% in comparison with the same period during the previous year. This trend is expected to continue.
Customs authorities have approved an ID system for companies that benefit them during trade with other countries within the bloc.
Argentina is Mexico’s fourth-largest trade partner in Latin America and the Caribbean and the 22nd-largest at the global level.
Tourism and the movement of goods were identified as the keys to development during the next stage, according to the last meeting of the CARICOM representatives.
The PA countries are seeking an alternative agreement to guarantee integration and trade development.
The two countries are seeking to strengthen their economies and put the period of stagnation behind them by playing a greater part in the international economy.
The two blocs have concluded negotiations and have announced their intention to formalize a trade agreement.
The agreement between the Caribbean regional bloc and Cuba will benefit a range of economic sectors, notably tourism.
The block continues to implement actions to develop trade technology. Chile calls on other members to leverage e-commerce.
Companies say there will be new investments and a major opening up of the labor market.
The region is seeking to sign agreements that will lead to the regulation and facilitation of customs activities.
The countries of Latin America championed joint efforts and cooperation to tackle their common problems.
The TIFA will foster private investment, promote growth, improve technology, and deepen sustainable economic development.
The Russian government has proposed that Uruguay sign (link in Spanish) a “strategic plan” in pursuit of greater cooperation in various areas.
Officials from Argentina and Chile held a series of meetings to strengthen relations and regional integration processes.
The region’s leaders emphasized that 2017 would be a key year for consolidating reform within the Caribbean Community.
The formalization of the agreement between the two countries will imply major alternatives to foreign trade and advantages for local firms.
The agreement opens up the EU market for almost all Ecuadorian export products.
This initiative is part of the Central American Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness Strategy (EFCC) and is supported by the European Union.
The country follows Nicaragua as temporary leader of the regional bloc.
The two countries have defined their strategies and working agendas for addressing the convergence of the two blocs.
This is a major milestone on the road to electrical integration.
The Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), June Soomer, made an official visit to Cuba, in which it was agreed the development, next March in Havana, of the XXII Ordinary Council of Ministers of the organization.
The two countries held their seventh meeting under the umbrella of the bilateral consultations agreement that has been in force since 2001
This investment will enable progress on the road infrastructure megaproject between Argentina and Chile
The member countries of the Andean Community will gradually update their immigration systems. Peru has already successfully done so.
The two countries opened a new border crossing as part of their intention to form a customs union
The project will be a source of employment in the region once the anticipated investments materialize
The initiative is the outcome of an investment-related decision by the bloc’s heads of state
The main aim of this initiative is the electronic exchange of information on foreign trade transactions, in line with international standards.
The project aims to address the challenges of the border area and assess progress toward implementing common projects.
Ecuador has joined the free trade agreement that Colombia and Peru are already party to.
In an attempt to fast-track the start of the project, the two countries committed to holding periodic meetings.
Representatives from the two countries signed the agreement to streamline commercial transactions and make them more transparent.
The two countries are seeking to consolidate economic relations and have planned joint activities for 2017.
The two countries are following up on the work plan that was started during Barack Obama’s visit to Argentina in March 2016.
Problems in the steel sector have affected trade flows.
The two countries expressed their commitment to fostering negotiations between the two blocs.
The agreement is expected to be made official in the coming months.
CARICOM ministers have endorsed a roadmap for the implementation of the Caribbean Regulatory System for Medicine (CRS).
Uruguay’s Chamber of Deputies unanimously passed Bolivia’s protocol of accession to become a full member of the MERCOSUR.
The third Chinese presidential tour to Latin America was an opportunity for China to emphasize its commitment to the region and consolidate bilateral relations.
The two countries signed various agreements during the Uruguayan president’s two-week tour of China.
This infrastructure project aims to become an alternative form of connectivity between the two countries and to foster production potential and service generation in the region it covers.
The agreement was described as “next generation” because of the new issues it includes.
The mechanism will contribute to strengthening the security system and data exchanges among members.
China already has free trade agreements with Peru, Chile, and Costa Rica. Colombia is making headway on negotiations.
The regional bloc made up of Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Mexico continues to actively seek out new trade partners.
The two countries have continued the trade negotiations they began at the end of 2015 around tariff expansions within their bilateral agreement.
Those present also decided on initiatives for the fight against climate change, terrorism, and the refugee crisis.
Some 1,500 businesspeople, diplomats, and government officials from China and LAC took part, making this the best-attended event in the summit’s history.
The climate change agreement that was reached in December 2015 will be made official at the next UNFCCC conference.
Paraguay will be exporting gourmet-quality products to Switzerland.
The two countries are continuing to hold working sessions with a view to implementing the system in the short term.
The PA is hoping to expand its global presence and extend its ties with the international economy.
Following several disputes with the European Union, there has been a significant step forward in favor of Argentina.
The initiative is part of a plan to promote intraregional trade facilitation.
Government officials announced that binational cabinet meetings would be held with the governments of Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia in order to tackle border integration issues.
The two countries are seeking to bolster economic relations. Japan is contributing to relief efforts following the earthquake in the Ecuadorian province of Manabí.
An agreement will provide US$33 million in financing for sustainable infrastructure projects in the Caribbean region.
Mexico’s SIEPAC Interconnection Commission met for the first time since being established.
Short-distance routes for increased integration in Mesoamerica.
The mechanism will have resources of up to US$80 million for financing initiatives among SMEs in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Chile
The Caribbean is seeking to mitigate the effects of natural disasters on transportation and roads.
The two largest economies in the MERCOSUR seek to move forward with bilateral trade facilitation.
Chile’s minister of foreign relations, Heraldo Muñoz, tackled issues related to trade and cooperation with representatives from the two countries.
Officials from the two countries started a work and cooperation plan to pursue common goals.
Experts and researchers met specifically to analyze the situation in South America.
The country has added its signature to the fight against climate change.
The Ministry of Production is to launch a competition to support firms with export potential.
Representatives from the two governments put forward an instrument to promote economic activity.
The legislation forms part of the international trade commitments the country has adopted.
The news was announced at the 11th Summit of the Pacific Alliance, which included a consolidation of international relations and a review of the progress this regional integration mechanism has made.
A project is seeking to end hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean by 2025.
CARICOM assessed the current status of the free movement of goods and persons and called on authorities to work towards harmonizing policies.
The two governments the two governments agreed on the need to review and expand the provisions in the agreement, which has been in force for 12 years
The agreements reflect the two countries’ intentions to relaunch relations.
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum has put forward a proposal to tackle climate change and halt the rise of global temperatures
New trends in the Colombian capital are generating economic growth and quality employment
Over 7000 Colombian products will benefit from tariff reductions that have already been negotiated and approved
The country has added its signature to the agreement
Member countries are seeking to coordinate trade regulations that facilitate intrazonal and international trade
Costa Rica and China Consolidate Their Strategic Alliance
The US Congress has passed a new incentive for the Alliance for Prosperity plan for Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, consisting of an additional US$750 million for 2017
Government officials from Mexico and Brazil met with the aim of expanding their Economic Complementarity Agreement (ECA)
The presidents of Argentina and Mexico met in Buenos Aires and talked about how to build closer ties between the MERCOSUR and the Pacific Alliance.
Different events and meetings mark the start of dialog between the two blocs
Regional organizations called a meeting to evaluate and expand economic and cooperation relations.
Members of the business community and government officials worked together to draw up an action plan to strengthen the Peruvian department of La Libertad.
Government representatives, high-level officials, and over 20,000 members of the public attended the opening ceremony.
The two organizations have signed an agreement that seeks to make a significant positive impact on the cost, time, and forecasting of traffic through border crossings in the short term.
The two countries are seeking to consolidate a single customs area that covers 44% of the total area of Central America so as to create a more attractive market for local, regional, and foreign investors.
The signing of the Agreement on Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments demonstrates the countries’ interest in expanding bilateral economic relations.
Signing this instrument strengthens integration through new common instruments and projects.
Government representatives drew attention to the growth in bilateral trade and promised a closer relationship between the two countries
The meeting between the two countries’ leaders took place as part of the OECD Week 2016.
Ministers from the two countries met in Brasilia to review bilateral affairs and reach new agreements.
The announcement was made at the 15th Meeting of the Pacific Alliance Council of Ministers.
Trade negotiations seek to revive the two countries’ weakened economies
The two countries’ governments concluded a round of binational negotiations in Santiago, at which they reviewed their progress on matters of cooperation.
Representatives from the two countries met to review the main issues on the common agenda and agreed on the importance of deepening relations following the passing of the Trade Agreement between them.
The meeting included a review of progress on the work agenda and forthcoming endeavors to examine and promote the border integration process and follow up on the agreements reached by the Border Integration and Development Committee.
Member countries ended their meeting in Ecuador after reaching agreements that will generate more than US$30 million in business commitments.
The EU has appealed the provisional ruling from the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning its alleged violation of trade regulations that affected biodiesel from Argentina.
Officials from the two governments met to discuss current initiatives and put forward new ones.
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay continue to develop a corridor to facilitate trade and logistics.
Vice President Gabriela Michetti traveled to Japan to finalize political and economic agreements
High-ranking dignitaries consolidate the ties formalized in 2013.
Countries in the region are seeking to advocate a rational use of energy so as to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
The signing of this document implies an expansion of intraregional trade. Some 92% of goods are now duty-free.
The two countries’ governments concluded a binational meeting in La Paz by signing an agreement that included 39 points related to politics, economic matters, trade, and mutual cooperation.
Government officials were in session over three days to improve the two countries’ export supply.
Through the approval of technical standards, Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism is seeking to increase product quality to compete in the international market.
Santiago de Chile was the venue for ongoing discussions over commercial issues contained in Economic Complementarity Agreement No. 35.
At a forum on new energies, members of the business community and government officials from the two countries exchanged ideas on renewable energies.
Delegations from the two countries reasserted their visions for areas such as human rights and international law and stressed that they had long been allies within both the western hemisphere and the international arena as a whole.
The 29th Conference of Heads of Customs Administrations in the Americas and Caribbean took place in Bolivia, and focused on the modernization of customs processes and the fight against drug trafficking
Chile has reconfirmed its commitment to building strong ties with Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for promotion of economic development and people’s well being.
Peru hopes to make its free trade agreement with Turkey a reality in June 2016 and to increase its trade balance to US$1 billion over the next five years.
Paraguay’s Foreign Minister, Eladio Loizaga, deposited his country’s instrument of acceptance of the Trade Facilitation Agreement with the WTO Deputy Director-General.
This instrument will build on those chapters negotiated in the Economic Complementation Agreement between the MERCOSUR and Chile
In Manila, representatives from the two countries discussed the terms of reference that will enable the beginning of negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) this year
The foreign ministers of Argentina and Chile gathered at the Cristo Redentor border crossing system with a view to deepening the initiatives to improve infrastructure, logistics, and operations standards at all facilities.
The World Trade Organization upheld Argentina’s claim against the European Union on trade barriers affecting biodiesel.
At a meeting of the WTO Committee on Balance of Payments Restrictions, Ecuador announced that it had begun to phase out its import surcharge.
The two blocs exchanged proposals as part of the visit of a high-level EU official to Buenos Aires
Panama’s Minister of Commerce and Industry has announced that, after a third round of negotiations, a free trade agreement (FTA) between Central America and the Republic of Korea will soon be signed.
On May 1, 2016, a large share of trade between the Pacific Alliance member countries will become tariff free.
In Geneva, the parties re-examined an agreement relating to trade in goods, with a view to expanding it to cover a larger share of trade.
The members of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) met in Caracas to study their convergence with Southeast Asia.
This agreement will expand the market for organic products to the benefit of smaller farmers.
The first round of negotiations to seek a Strategic Economic Cooperation Agreement (SECA) between Ecuador and Korea concluded on January 28, 2016.
The two countries are negotiating mechanisms to broaden cooperation and trade relations.
Senior agriculture officials agreed to increase bilateral exports of goods and services.
Chilean government officials and EFTA representatives analyzed alternatives for modernizing existing treaties.
On February 4, 2016, Panama raised its complaint against the tariff measures imposed by Colombia before a World Trade Organization (WTO) arbitration panel in Geneva.
The European Union seeks to expand its commercial influence in Latin America on the basis of greater penetration into the Mexican market.
On February 4, 2016, during an official ceremony held in Auckland, New Zealand, TPP member countries signed the new agreement.
During a high-level bilateral meeting, government officials from the two countries discussed alternatives to enhance trade.
The 34th FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean was held in Mexico City.
The governors of the Inter-American Development Bank will hold their annual meeting in Nassau, the Bahamas, from April 7 to 10, 2016.
Chile’s senate has passed the Pacific Alliance trade protocol, an instrument that will immediately liberalize 92% of trade between the member countries of the bloc.
In the first quarter of 2016, the MERCOSUR wishes to exchange offers with the European Union (EU) as part of the negotiation process for a free trade agreement.
In the context of the most recent MERCOSUR Summit, authorities from Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay have restated their commitment to the regional integration process for the construction of bioceanic corridors by means of a joint declaration.
The presidents of Mexico and Argentina met at Davos and agreed to strengthen bilateral trade.
The spread of the Zika virus, the need for coordinated regional action, and the consequences of the slump in commodity prices were the main topics of discussion at the forum.
Climate change poses a serious threat to those living in the Caribbean. Latin American leaders argue that developed countries should continue to be at the forefront of the quest for funds to mitigate climate change and prevent disasters.
The European Union is seeking to negotiate with Colombia at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding what Brussels considers to be discriminatory measures against alcoholic beverage imports from the EU.
Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru will eliminate tariffs on almost all tariff items that encompass industrial goods.
The document signed by the two countries aims to increase bilateral trade by reducing trade barriers and developing a positive agenda.
The Bolivian Ambassador to Peru announced that binational negotiations are at the evaluation stage, with technical, administrative, and financial factors being assessed, but that there is no deadline for the completion of this.
The government of the Dominican Republic announced that it is making progress towards the eventual elimination of tariffs on agricultural products, as part of the commitments taken on in its agreement with Central America.
During President Enrique Peña Nieto’s visit to Dubai on January 18, 2016, 13 bilateral cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed.
From December 15 to 20, 2015, the Mercosur Summit was held in Asunción, as part of Paraguay’s pro-tempore presidency of the bloc.
Costa Rica has decided to leave the political body of the bloc over its differences with the other members in relation to the Cuban migrant crisis.
As of January 1, 2016, bilateral trade in automotive industry products will be duty free, replacing the tariff-rate quota scheme.
The two countries signed various agreements on regulatory convergence and patents and made progress on other areas of joint work.
The WTO ruled that a Colombian tariff on textile and footwear imports from Panama is not compatible with the GATT.
The free trade agreement (FTA) between Chile and Thailand will favor trade flows and, eventually, investment between the two countries.
The presidents of the Pacific Alliance countries and the leaders of the Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) met in the Philippines.
Central America has an active trade negotiation agenda, in the framework of which the second round of discussions for an FTA with Korea took place.
By unifying customs facilities at the main border crossing between Guatemala and Honduras, the two countries began the process of creating the first customs union in Latin America.
Guyana is the fifth country in Latin America and the Caribbean and the fifty-third member of the WTO to ratify the agreement to expedite trade in goods.
On Brazil’s initiative, a series of meetings took place in connection with bilateral agreements between the MERCOSUR and the countries of the Pacific Alliance (PA).
The process for the accession of Costa Rica to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, which already counts Mexico and Chile among its members, has been set in motion.
El Salvador and Honduras seek to seal an FTA with Taiwan; Panama has concluded negotiations with Israel.
The COMIECO adopted a regional trade facilitation strategy and Panama ratified the WTO agreement on the subject.
MERCOSUR’s smaller members agreed to the creation of a system of payments in local currency similar to that already agreed upon bilaterally by Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil.
Brazil and Paraguay signed a series of agreements to boost bilateral cooperation.
With the support of the IDB, the Pacific Alliance is strengthening its innovative ecosystems.
The chambers of commerce of Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador have signed an agreement with the aim of strengthening trade relations.
The loan would be for US$7.5 billion and would be used to finance integration infrastructure.
The Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) of the Caribbean held a new meeting at which it discussed important issues for the integration of the subregion.
The two largest economies in Latin America took part in the first round of negotiations to extend Economic Complementarity Agreement (ECA) No. 53.
The new president of Argentina, Mauricio Macri, will prioritize the country's relations with its main trading partner.
Negotiators from the MERCOSUR and the European Union met to discuss the trade liberalization offers they are expected to exchange before the end of the year.
Brazil and Colombia have signed new bilateral agreements. The most noteworthy of these are the agreements on cooperation and investment facilitation and on trade within the automotive sector.
On October 5 and 6, the third LAB4+ Forum took place in Puebla, México. The event seeks to promote creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
At the meeting, progress on the work agenda was reviewed, as were forthcoming activities in the framework of the Paracas Declaration
Ministers from the Andean Community (CAN) countries and Chile met in Santiago on September 4, 2015, to continue talks on the Andean Electrical Interconnection System.
Eight measures imposed by Argentina have been questioned by Panama before the WTO. In a recent ruling, the WTO has found there to be discrimination in relation to the General Agreement on Trade in Services.
A new Nanomercosur meeting brought representatives from the MERCOSUR nanotechnology sector together in Buenos Aires.
Brazil has proposed the negotiation of an intra-MERCOSUR investment agreement which would include a system for settling disputes between states, instead of the traditional scheme in which private investors may sue states before international courts.
Guyana has sought to liberalize and facilitate trade, attract investment, and improve its business environment.
Central America and Korea carried out the first round of negotiations over a bilateral free trade agreement.
