Abstract

PEREZ TORO, José Alberto. Colombia in the free trade area of the Americas as seen from the present. Cuad. Adm. [online]. 2004, vol.17, n.27, pp.87-125. ISSN 0120-3592.

The aim of this paper is to know, compare, contrast and evaluate the positive aspects of creating a hemispheric market, by analyzing the bilateral and multilateral agreements under negotiation, particularly the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). The theoretical framework is based on the study of historical factors characterized by institutional changes in the economic integration process of the Americas. Institutional elements refer to commerce particularities, the access to markets, the regulations on services, and investment origin and protection. They also refer to other commercial practices, such as governmental purchases, custom regulations, and the mechanisms used to solve controversies. The methodology used is the analysis of singular processes that determine a chain of facts, such as the integration schemes, which are framed in regularities like those observed in sector commercial agreements. An outstanding result is the convergence of integration processes, a necessary condition for the eventual creation of a global commerce system.

Keywords : Economic integration; Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA); Free Trade Agreement (FTA); free trade areas; bilateral and multilateral agreements; Andean Community of Nations; MERCOSUR.

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