The landscape of B2C e-commerce marketplaces in Latin America and the Caribbean

The digitization of economy, and particularly the e-commerce can encourage innovation and contribute to the process of digital transformation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) through the implementation of digital technologies and new business models, which can improve the efficiency and productivity of companies beyond its effects on access to new markets. Despite potential gains, activity of online platforms implies risks and challenges in terms of antitrust regulation, data protection, cybersecurity, and market dynamic. Better quality of institutions and an effective judiciary s…

The Hummingbird Vol. 10 No. 4

CEPAL Review No. 139

The Hummingbird Vol. 10 No. 2

Transformational change in Latin America and the Caribbean: A mission-oriented approach

The current economic and social challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean have highlighted both the region’s structural problems and the urgent need to find new drivers of economic growth. The old approaches to economic development will not enable Latin America and the Caribbean to overcome the present-day economic, health and climate crises. Governments must set bold goals and work with willing private sector partners to promote a truly sustainable and inclusive economy. By advancing mission-oriented industrial policies, countries can stimulate cooperation, diversify production, increase …

Science, technology and innovation: cooperation, integration and regional challenges

Science, technology and innovation (STI) policies have a central role to play: not only in building national research and development capacities, but also in solving national problems and challenges within the framework of countries’ development policies. Given the region’s structural weaknesses, scarce resources and the need for scale to achieve results, the resources allocated to support science, technology and innovation —or at least part of them— must be channelled into areas of knowledge related to the main challenges the countries face. STI must contribute to the development of sectors …

Report of the twenty-ninth session of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

Practices and initiatives for the development of cross-border e-commerce in Latin America and the Caribbean and its impact in the post-pandemic era

E-commerce fosters innovation and contributes to the process of digital transformation of MSMEs through the implementation of digital technologies, new business practices and new business models, which can improve the efficiency and productivity of companies beyond the effects on access to new national and international markets. This document presents some practices and policies that governments in Latin American and Caribbean countries have implemented before and after the COVID-19 pandemic to promote the participation of MSEs in cross-border e-commerce, including measures to deepen the penet…

Digital inclusion in Caribbean digital transformation frameworks and initiatives: a review

This study evaluates the extent to which digital inclusion is considered in Caribbean digital transformation frameworks. Digital inclusion considers the ways in which digital divides are created as the digital transformation of society progresses, and how societal inequalities affect and are affected by digital technologies. As such, digital inclusion is a lens through which the effects of the digital transformation can be assessed. The study assesses the digital transformation policies of 11 countries and territories of the Caribbean and complements this analysis with qualitative data gathere…

Caribbean Outlook 3: Economic recovery and repositioning in the era of COVID-19. Policy Brief

The economies of the subregion were hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those dependent on tourism. As a result, the Caribbean has seen a reversal of the hard-won gains achieved in growing their economies and reducing unemployment and inequality. The inflation stemming from pandemic supply chain disruption, which has been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, has made the sustained uptick in economic performance beyond pre-pandemic levels unlikely, notwithstanding strong growth estimates for 2021 and 2022. The last two years have taught the region that continued ‘business as usual’ is…

The Hummingbird Vol. 10 No. 1

The payment landscape of B2C e-commerce marketplaces in Latin America and the Caribbean

This paper studies the digital payments landscape of B2C e-commerce marketplaces in Latin America and the Caribbean. It presents the main characteristics of different digital payment methods, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. It also examines how digital payments contribute to financial inclusion and it describes the global and regional trends and prospects. It presents the main findings of an exhaustive analysis of payment methods accepted by more than 550 transactional marketplaces in 33 countries in LAC. It also examines the main obstacles to development of digital payments in …

CEPAL Review No. 138

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Digital Divides and Inclusion in the Caribbean “New Normal”

Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2022

This document examines the global and regional evolution of FDI and offers recommendations so these flows can contribute to the region’s productive development processes. FDI can support the investments needed for countries to move towards more inclusive and sustainable development, but, as ECLAC has argued in successive editions of this report, that does not happen automatically. Policies are needed to provide the necessary framework so that FDI entering the region is directed towards activities that support virtuous development in respect of inclusiveness, employment quality, environmental s…

Montevideo declaration. Building together in the digital age

Digital agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean (eLAC2024)

A digital path for sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean

The rapid advance of digital technologies and their increasingly cross-cutting applications have driven global transformations that are affecting the entire economy and all of society. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic marked a turning point in terms of how widely digital solutions are used, as they became vital tools for maintaining social and productive activities under the restrictions on face-to-face activities and movement put in place during the health emergency. This more widespread adoption of digital technologies —especially of the most advanced ones linked to intensive use …

Proposed digital agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean (eLAC 2024)

Latin American Economic Outlook 2022: Towards a Green and Just Transition

What challenges and opportunities does the green transition entail for Latin America and the Caribbean? This 15th edition of the Latin American Economic Outlook explores options for the region to recast its production models, transform its energy matrix and create better jobs in the process. It argues that, for this transition to be just, stronger social protection systems and open dialogue must help build new, sustainable social contracts. In support of this ambitious agenda, the report presents an array of financing options, including green finance, and advocates for renewed international pa…