(26 August 2010) Trade played an important role in Latin America and the Caribbean's economic recovery after the global crisis. The magnitude of the export drive in the region and its challenges in the short and medium term are examined in a new ECLAC report to be launched on Thursday, 2 September.

ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena will present the report Latin America and the Caribbean in the World Economy 2009-2010: Crisis Originated in the Developed World and Recovery Driven by Emerging Economies at a press conference in ECLAC headquarters in Santiago at 11 a.m.

The annual report, one of the most important of ECLAC's flagships, provides projections on regional trade in 2010 and addresses the following issues, among others:

• The role of international trade in economic recovery. ECLAC analyzes this role in the world and the region, with an emphasis on Asian economies, particularly China, and emerging economies.
• The evolution of trade in the region over the past decade. Which countries and regions had the best performance? What role have basic commodities played in the current recovery of exports?
• The main Latin American subregional integration systems. How much have MERCOSUR, the Andean Community and the Central American Common Market advanced over the past 12 months?
• How to make the most of the current export drive. ECLAC suggests policies to use this boom to further a development with equality agenda.
• The prospects of the Caribbean Community and Japan's recent strategies to deepen its economic relations with Latin America and the Caribbean.
  

The media is welcome to attend the press conference. The report and press releases in electronic format will be available in the ECLAC webpage.