The mission of ECLAC in this area is to generate and disseminate analyses and policy proposals aimed at strengthening the participation of the Latin American and Caribbean region in global trade and fostering regional integration, particularly as it relates to economic matters. To this end, ECLAC produces studies and publications, organizes conferences and seminars, provides technical assistance to governments and integration bodies in the region, and develops and maintains a range of databases. The work of the International Trade and Integration Division covers quantitative and qualitative aspects of both themes, through coordination with other ECLAC divisions and national and subregional offices. The main areas of work include:
- Monitoring international economic conditions and the main aspects of economic globalization
- Fostering trade and production aspects of regional integration
- The Latin American and Caribbean region’s participation in international value chains
- Links between the Latin American and Caribbean region and other developing regions, especially Asia-Pacific
- Internationalization of SMEs and inclusive trade
- Links between trade and environmental sustainability
- Coordination between trade policy and other public policies
- Trade facilitation and its links with aid for trade
The work of the Division combines research and fieldwork, with a strong emphasis on generating useful knowledge for policy formulation. The main users of ECLAC products in this field are governments and regional integration bodies, as well as business associations, trade unions, civil society organizations, cooperation agencies and academic entities.