Links to Regionalization & Integration Resources

U.S.- Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act of 2000 (CBTPA)- On May 18, 2000, former U.S. President Bill Clinton signed into law the Trade and Development Act of 2000. This measure includes the U.S.- Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act of 2000 (CBTPA) and the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act of 2000 (AGOA) as well as other important provisions. This package advances U.S. economic and security interests by strengthening our relationship with regions of the world that are making significant strides in terms of economic development and political reform. It will expand two-way trade and create incentives for the countries of the Caribbean Basin and the countries of sub-Saharan Africa to continue reforming their economies and participate more fully in the benefits of the global economy.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM)- This organization tries to provide dynamic leadership and service, in partnership with Community institutions and Groups, toward the attainment of a viable, internationally competitive and sustainable Community, with improved quality of life for all.

The Free Trade Agreement of the Americas- In December 1994, at the first Summit of the Americas, the 34 democratically elected Heads of State of the Western Hemisphere agreed to create a Free Trade Area of the Americas by 2005. The FTAA will eliminate trade and investment barriers on virtually all goods and services traded by member countries, reducing prices for consumers and creating new markets for producers throughout the hemisphere. It follows the process initiated in the 1994 Summit of the Americas (http://www.summit-americas.org/) to integrate the economies of the Western Hemisphere into a single free trade arrangement.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)- The NAFTA Secretariat, comprised of the Canadian, U.S. and Mexican Sections, is an unique organization, established by the Free Trade Commission, pursuant to Article 2002, Chapter 20 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It is responsible for the administration of the dispute settlement provisions of the Agreement. The mandate of the NAFTA Secretariat also includes the provision of assistance to the Commission and support for various non-dispute related committees and working groups.

Comunidad Andina- The Andean Community is a subregional organization with an international legal status. It is made up of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela and the bodies and institutions comprising the Andean Integration System (AIS).

Mercosur Organismo- The MERCOSUR was created by the Treaty of Asunción signed by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay on March 26, 1991. Chile and Bolivia became associate members in 1996 and 1997 respectively. With a population of 220 million and a GDP of US$ 1.3 trillion in 1997, MERCOSUR is the fastest growing trading bloc in the world.