Executive summary

Against the backdrop of an extraordinary performance on the part of the world economy, which is enjoying solid, widespread growth, the Latin American and Caribbean countries are currently going through extremely favourable economic times. Almost all of the countries of the region have been growing steadily since 2003. In 2006, the region posted a growth rate of 5.6%, and ECLAC projections point to GDP growth of 5.0% for 2007 and 4.6% in 2008. If these projections are borne out, the region’s per capita GDP will have risen by 20.6% (over 3% per year, on average) by the time it completes its sixth consecutive year of growth.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions