[18.06.08] The importance of the Spanish presence for Latin American economies is not only for the volume of its investment, but also from a qualitative point of view, given that it has been concentrated into strategic sectors for the development and welfare of the population. (From the introduction by José Luís Rodríguez Zapatero, Prime Minister of Spain).

[29.04.08] The intense military operations carried out in recent years by the Uribe government against the FARC are beginning to show positive results. However, there have also been negative ones, in the form of the deteriorating relations with Ecuador and Venezuela, the increasing risk of international isolation and the threat to the strategy of swapping prisoners for people kidnapped by FAR...

[01.11.07] Haiti is beginning to emerge from the chaos of recent years. This is a moment of relative stability that pres¬ents an opportunity to move towards a more sustainable path of economic growth, political development, and poverty reduction. But this is also a period of fragility and continued vulnerabil¬ity, and further advancement is by no means assured.

[04.07.07] The European Union and Brazil have decided to strengthen their bilateral links by establishing a strategic association. To this end, the first summit was held in Lisbon − coinciding with the commencement of Portugal’s presidency of the EU − at which the terms for the initiative were agreed.

[10.05.07] Following the demobilisation process of the paramilitary groups, the country is threatened by the increase in new armed groups involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities. This situation endangers the government’s strategy for the demobilisation and integration of the paramilitary groups.

[1.12.06] The causes and consequences of public indebtedness in Latin America are analysed. Mechanisms are also suggested for enabling the countries to have a safer debt level.

[05.05.08] Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region attained record figures in 2007, surpassing for the first time the $100,000 million mark. These funds were mainly spent on the search for natural resources and new goods and services markets. Meanwhile, overseas investment by Latin American companies is reaching unprecedented levels.

[31.12.07] The region shows macroeconomic stability in most countries, with growth and controlled inflation. This publication analyses the improvement in fiscal policy, funding for development, reform of pensions, the impact of foreign investment on telecommunications and the growing exchanges with China and India.

[21.12.07] High growth was maintained, as well as current account surplus and fiscal primary results; furthermore, a healthy influx of direct foreign investment was recorded. Nevertheless, greater volatility was perceived, owing to the uncertainty deriving from the credit crisis in the United States.

[22.11.07] Over the past four years, the highest growth since the 1970s has been achieved in terms of GDP per inhabitant. Progress has been made in the reduction of poverty, unemployment has fallen and, in some countries, there has been an improvement in the distribution of income. Nevertheless, socioeconomic inequality continues to be extremely high.

[23.08.07] Even though there are significant dangers threatening the continuity of the growth of the economy and of international trade, the panorama of the international insertion of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean remains favourable because they are better prepared to withstand the turmoil of the international financial markets.

[26.07.07] Latin American countries are undergoing rapid growth, thanks to the positive situation being experienced within the external context. Furthermore, demand is receiving a boost from the investment and recovery of private consumption. Over the medium-term, this investment is expected to carry on increasing, to ensure sustainability of growth.

[04.05.07] In 2006, the rising trend in direct foreign investment (FDI) in Latin America and the Caribbean continued, with a volume of over 72,000 million dollars. However, the increase was smaller than in previous years, and the region’s share in world FDI as a whole decreased.

[19.12.06] The results of the study demonstrate the perspective of public opinion following the broad election cycle the region had during 2006. The principal issues of concern for Latin Americans are unemployment and poverty, on the one hand, and crime and public safety on the other.

[18.12.06] The annual diagnosis can be viewed with “cautious optimism”. The quality of growth is better, but the favourable international situation could change, and sustainability is still not assured.