Regional integration and cooperation

(Caracas, July 14, 2006).- The president & CEO of the Andean Development Corporation, Enrique García, and the executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC/CEPAL), José Luis Machinea, today signed in Caracas an agreement to join forces to generate better conditions for growth and international competitiveness, through the study of the best practices for increasing participation in the global economy.

After the signing, García said that the agreement follows up the joint effort of both international organizations begun almost 20 years ago with the objective of deepening regional integration and cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The cooperation will cover research and technical assistance for the countries in the area of growth and productive development; technological competitiveness and innovation; strategies to increase participation in the global economy and analysis of best practices; trade negotiations; trade agreement administration; economic and trade institutions for internationalization; export promotion; and economic integration, including facilitation of trade, infrastructure, energy and tourism.

This joint work will be implemented mainly through shared information, consultation, organization of events, exchange of experts, joint research and publications, among other activities that result in value added for the sustainable development of the region.