Given its commitment to the design and execution of a renewed development agenda for Latin America, CAF supports the region in its objective of achieving increased and more equitable access to world markets. This publication offers a contribution to the public policy debate on this issue by examining relevant aspects of the international trade agenda. The complex web of spheres of international trade participation that countries have available is illustrated throughout this book, identifying the trade barriers that limit the free flow of goods and services, and evidencing the impact that trade agreements may have on economic and social variables. The book also analyses how the region can exploit more effectively the increased participation of China in international trade, and emphasizes the critical aspects of the trade negotiations on particularly sensitive issues, such as a liberalization of the agriculture and service sectors, intellectual property right protection and trade facilitation. Our hope is that this book will contribute to stimulating the debate and guide the implementation of public policies in the effort to achieve greater access to international markets and promote economic growth, with the ultimate purpose of improving the quality of life of all Latin Americans.
