Trade in services in Latin America and the Caribbean: an analysis of recent trends

This paper compares the dynamism of the Latin American and Caribbean region's services trade with that of Asia, evaluates the determinants of these trade flows, and proposes measures for improving the region's performance. The focus of this study is on other services , which includes all services except transport and travel services (mainly tourism). Other services include many modern service inputs (including communications, financial and information technology services and business services), that play an increasingly vital role in determining many businesses&…

Transaction costs in the transportation sector and infrastructure in North America: exploring harmonization of standards

Since the implementation in 1994 of the North American Free Trade Agreement, trade between the three North American countries has almost tripled. However there are substantial impediments for the efficient freight movements between the three countries. Major obstacles derived from transaction costs which reduce and sometimes eliminate the benefits gained from the removal of tariffs resulting from NAFTA. The paper analyzes North American truck, rail and maritime trade and transportation characteristics and operations that serve as the foundation to identify and quantify transaction costs caus…

Primera evaluación del programa regional de vivienda social y asentamientos humanos para América Latina y el Caribe

El presente documento constituye una recopilación de las evaluaciones de los programas de reducción de la pobreza y precariedad del hábitat y fue presentado en 2006 en el III Foro Urbano Mundial. Estas evaluaciones se realizaron a través de un cuestionario base distribuido a los países de la región y en el que se incluyeron los aspectos prioritarios del Plan de Acción Regional para los Asentamientos Humanos adoptado en 1995 y actualizado en el 2001 por los países de la Región. El análisis de la aplicación de estos programas, a fin de incorporar esas experiencias en el Programa Regional de Vivi…

Information society and public ICT policies in the Caribbean: a review of advances and challenges, policy instruments and country experiences

The Caribbean region has an exceptional potential for becoming an international hub of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) services hosting, outsourcing and delivery.Its strategic location, similar time zones and relative short distances to North, South and Central America major trading centers, make it an ideal choice for the establishment of “near-shore” business operations connected to business and economic activity throughout the continent.Native domain of English and Spanish languages, cultural compatibility with the rest of the American continent and even Europe, its cultur…

Biofuels potential in Guyana

Abstract Guyana depends on imported fuel to meet the needs of its transport sector. In recent years, pricesof derivatives of petroleum have increased significantly, further widening the current account deficit. In 2005, fuel accounted for 29% of the value of imports of the country. The technology of using ethanol mixed with gasoline in four-stroke cycle engines is wellknown, and, does not require any changes in vehicles for levels of ethanol in the mixture up to 10%. This technology is used in many countries with vehicle fleets, similar to those of Guyana. The sugarcane industry of Guyana cons…

Competencia y regulación de las telecomunicaciones: el caso de Honduras

Este documento fue preparado por Marlon Ramsses Tábora, consultor de la Unidad de Comercio Internacional e Industria de la Sede Subregional de la CEPAL en México, en el marco del Proyecto IDRC/CEPAL, Reforzando la competencia en el Istmo centroamericano: Políticas e instituciones nacionales, coordinación regional y participación en negociaciones internacionales (CAN/04/001). Competition and regulation of  telecommunications: the case of Honduras Abstract: This report was put together by Marion Ramsses Tábora, consultant for the Unit of Internation Trade and Industry for the Mex…

Norms, regulations and labor standards in Central America

This report addresses the organization, nature, and prospects for labor law enforcement in Central America and the Dominican Republic. It draws a distinction between the Anglo-American approach to enforcement, which is rooted in deterrence and punishment, and the Latin alternative, which is rooted in conciliation and training. And it argues that the Latin approach is--at least in theory--better able to reconcile the labor force's need for protection with the economy's demand for flexibility. Finally, it reviews recent changes in the subregion's labor inspection systems, …

Anuario Estadístico de América Latina y el Caribe 2006 = Statistical Yearbook for Latin America and the Caribbean 2006

En la presente edición del Anuario estadístico de América Latina y el Caribe 2006 se mantienen los cambios de contenido y de diseño introducidos en el año 2005. El propósito es responder a las nuevas exigencias de los investigadores que analizan la situación económica y social de la región e incorporar los avances tecnológicos que modifi can la difusión y el uso de la información estadística. El Anuario cuenta con cuatro capítulos. En el primer capítulo se presentan los indicadores demográfi cos y sociales, que refl ejan el esfuerzo especial realizado para incluir la dimensión de género en la…

Best practices in defence of competition in Argentina and Brazil: useful aspects for Central America

Developing countries with a relatively long expertise in competition policy, such as Argentina and Brazil, may provide a very valuable point of reference for developing countries that have acquired more recently a competition legal and institutional framework. Among the recommendations that can be derived from Argentina and Brazil for other more recent comers to the competition institutional arena are: i) the importance of having a single and independent body in charge of applying the competition law; ii) the need for competition policy and the judiciary system to coordinate their acti…

Coordination of public expenditure in transport infrastructure: analysis and policy perspectives for Latin America

Multinational transport infrastructure (MTI) projects are fraught with coordination issues. This paper contributes by identifying the key issues necessary for effective MTI coordination, analyzing them using economic theory and putting them into perspective within the framework of major ongoing coordination efforts for MTI in Europe and Latin America. Specifically, this paper carries out the following. First, after mentioning the importance of transport infrastructure for growth and integration, we describe the characteristics of transport networks that make coordination essential. Second, we …

Implications for the use of biofuels with special reference to the Caribbean

Report on maritime transport and the environment for Latin America

This report presents information on the environmental impact of vessels during their general operation. It is shown that the emissions from vessels can substantially contribute to local air quality problems over land and also impact the climate change process. Up to now, the contribution of the maritime sector to air quality problems in Latin American and Caribbean coastal cities has received little or no attention. Studies for the United States and Europe show that the contribution of this sector may however be significant. Given the persistence of air quality problems in Latin America, it ap…

Sustainable bioenergy: a framework for decision makers

PrefacioEn nuestro primer documento, ONUEnergía se centró en El desafío de la Energía para Alcanzar los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio . Señalamos que los servicios energéticos disponibles no han logrado satisfacer las necesidades de los más pobres del mundo, con 2.400 millones de personas que recurren a la biomasa tradicional para sus necesidades energéticas, y 1.600 millones sin acceso alguno a la electricidad. Los compromisos básicos para la gente pobre no se pueden alcanzar sin un enfoque mucho más centrado hacia los servicios energéticos.Al mismo tiempo, se ha visto un fuerte au…