Changing Business Environments, International Trade and Regional Integration: Who Needs Cafta?

Abstract

Despite little progress in FTAA negotiations, other regional trade agreements are being considered by the US government. The recently signed CAFTA brings hope to smaller developing nations in Central America and it should offer new opportunities to US businesses. However, the new trade pact has not been free from controversy and criticism, and opposition to free trade has been stronger in the USA than in Latin America.

Environmental Sustainability in the CAFTA-DR Region: Impact of the Treaty’s Environmental Provisions on Country and Multinational Firm Level Sustainability

“…All CAFTA-DR countries have public institutions responsible for environmental regulations and policies, but do not always have the capacity and the resources to enforce those laws and regulations. However, as investments increase and the institutions become more effective, the net impact of these efforts is expected to be positive (Doughman, 2004;Kose & Rebucci, 2005;Walecki, 2007).…”