In a video conference to be held Wednesday, November 28, 2007, UNCTAD will present its Trade and Development Report 2007 to the Institute of International Relations at the University of Brasilia -- a member of the Virtual Institute of UNCTAD -- and to the Institute of Applied Economic Research (IPEA), a Brazilian government-led research organization.
The authors of the report, which is subtitled "regional cooperation for development," will discuss the significance of the document´s findings for regional cooperation discussions in Latin America and the Caribbean. Examples of economic growth based on regional efforts in this part of the world are analyzed in the report and illustrated with clear examples. The presentation and ensuing discussion among participants in the video conference, will enable a better understanding of the findings of UNCTAD´s analytical work.
As mentioned in the report, regional integration may be especially beneficial for long-term development. Such cooperation by developing countries with their geographic neighbours can help them develop their economic capabilities and render them more fit to compete on the global stage. To achieve this, the report counsels, countries should not only rely on trade liberalization within regions; they also should carry out coordinated action to strengthen the potential for growth and structural change in developing countries through regional macroeconomic, financial, infrastructural and industrial policies.
Regional teamwork is also helpful for improving transport facilities, providing commercial information, and pooling efforts in such areas as energy, water supply, research and development, and knowledge generation, the report says. These actions, if effectively pursued, can have a cumulative effect that is vital for the success of development strategies.
Through the video conference, UNCTAD hopes to contribute to the debate on topical development issues in the Latin American and Caribbean region, where Brazil plays an important role. The presentation will feature the participation of the Brazilian Minister of State for Strategic Affairs, Roberto Mangabeira, in Brasilia, and Brazil´s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Clodoaldo Hugueney.
