Santiago de los Caballeros.- President Luis Abinader called Wednesday for greater cooperation among Latin American and Caribbean countries, arguing that the region cannot address its current challenges independently and that economic growth must translate into better wages, lower poverty and improved living conditions.
Speaking at the opening of the 41st Session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago de los Caballeros, Abinader highlighted the importance of sustained growth, macroeconomic stability, strong institutions, investment and regional integration.
He noted that Latin America and the Caribbean have a market of more than 660 million people, but trade among regional countries accounts for only 14% of total exports. He said greater integration could help businesses access new markets, connect to regional supply chains and benefit from improved connectivity and more efficient trade procedures.
