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The Latin America Competitiveness Review 2006 (5.8 MB, 190 pgs) is the latest in a series of regional competitiveness reports put together by the Forum’s Global Competitiveness Network. The Review sets the scene for discussion at the Forum and is intended as a useful tool for regional policy makers, business strategists and other important stakeholders in identifying the main impediments to growth and the best policies and practices required to build competitive economies in the region.
Using the methodology of the Global Competitiveness Index (pdf 43 kb) and the latest thinking in competitiveness research, this Review offers a broad overview of the region’s main competitive strengths and weaknesses, highlighting the areas which require immediate attention. Also included is a comprehensive analysis of 21 Latin American countries through detailed country profiles. The Review also benefits from thoughtful contributions on specific issues of competitiveness by leading regional academics and experts from major international organizations.
Download the whole review (5.8 MB, 190 pgs)
Contents (34KB, 2 pgs)
Executive Summary (35KB, 3 pgs)
Context
After the “lost decade” of the eighties and the structural pro-market reforms of the nineties, Latin America entered the twenty-first century with rather sound macroeconomic fundamentals, democratic governments, much improved –with respect to earlier decades –business climates, creating optimism for the regional economic outlook. Indeed, the region grew at an average 4.6 percent in 2005, the highest rate registered since 1980.
Despite these favourable conditions, Latin America still suffers from one of the most inequitable income distributions worldwide, social tensions and an increasing sense of reform fatigue. Moreover, the region seems to be losing ground as foreign direct investment and trade shares shift to other developing regions, notably Asia and Eastern Europe. It is therefore clear that Latin America will face significant challenges in coming years in its efforts to improve its competitiveness and build the fundaments for sustained economic growth and prosperity for its citizens.
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