1.      

Author:

SELA Secretariat

Title:

Follow-up report on the impact of globalization on the region

Status:

Drafting continues, and will be presented in September 2001.

Language:

Summary:

Analyzes the evolution of the globalization process and its possible effect on the development of the region and its incorporation into the global economy. The study will serve as the basis for an International Seminar on the matter, which will be organized by the SELA Secretariat in conjunction with the Governments of Venezuela and Italy, and will be held either in Rome or Caracas.

Contents:

Principal aspects of the economic, commercial and social effects of globalization on SELA member countries, in addition to possible scenarios to take advantage of the opportunities it offers for improved insertion into the global economy.

2.      

Author:

SELA Secretariat

Title:

“SELA Antenna in the United States”

Status:

Permanently active. Is a report published every three months with collaboration from a SELA consultant residing in the United States.

Language:

Summary:

Quarterly reports on the impact of USA policies on the region

Contents:

This is a brief publication in Spanish and English that summarizes the most significant information, statements, new legislative provisions and measures applied in the United States that are related to international economic and trade policy and negotiations, in addition to which, it examines their possible impact on the countries of the region.

3.

Author:

SELA Secretariat

Title:

Report on the Status and perspectives regarding relations between Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia.

Status:

Being drafted, will be presented in September 2001.

Language:

Summary:

Analysis of medium and long term scenarios and their impact on both regions, as well as the evolution of mutual trade and financial relations. Will be presented at the Latin American-Caribbean and Asia Pacific Forum and in the Network of Latin American and Caribbean Centres for Studies on Asia Pacific, in conjunction with the Asian Development Bank, IDB/INTAL and the research centres of both regions.  

Contents:

4.      

Author:

SELA Secretariat

Title:

FTAA risks and opportunities for the countries of the Greater Caribbean.

Status:

Being contracted, will be finalized on August 20, 2001. The study will be presented at an International Seminar that will be organized by SELA in conjunction with the University of Brazil, where it will be held on September 17-19, 2001.

Language:

Summary:

Social and economic effects.

Options for treating differences.

Effects on institutionality in the Greater Caribbean.

Contents:

- Possible economic, social and institutional effects on the Greater Caribbean resulting from the establishment of the FTAA.

- Foreseeable consequences of the profound differences in development, size and population.

- Policies and actions that may be implemented by the countries of the Greater Caribbean toward maximizing the benefits of their participation in the FTAA in economic and social matters. Characteristics that should be assumed by the FTAA so as to reduce the strong differences that exist.

- Possible institutional and competitive scenarios that would offer greater support for sub-regional autonomies and for participation by sub-regions in the FTAA.

5.      

Author:

SELA Secretariat

Title:

Status of WTO trade negotiations, particularly in the area of agriculture and services

Status:

Constantly being followed up, will be presented in September 2001.

Language:

Summary:

Analyzes the advancements made in negotiations currently being held in the agricultural and service groups of the WTO. An international seminar on agricultural commerce took place in March 2001, in Caracas, with support from the World Bank. A seminar-workshop will be held on services and will be supported by UNCTAD and the WTO, on a date yet to be determined. 

Contents:

Analysis of the reports and conclusions of both WTO groups, consequences for the countries of the region and negotiating options. 

6.      

Author:

SELA Secretariat

Title:

Studies based on the foreign trade policy of the countries of the region

Status:

Language:

Summary:

Contents:

7.      

Author:

Permanent Secretariat of SELA

Title:

United States Options in the Free Trade Area of the Americas

Status:

February 1998, SP / DRE / Di No.19-98

Language:

(Spanish-English)

Summary:

Contains an analysis of the United States trade policy since September last year, when President Clinton’s Administration requested “fast track” negotiating authority from Congress. Such authorization would present several options to the Government of the United States in order to express its position during the Hemispheric Summit of Santiago de Chile in April 1998.

Contents:

I. Introduction and general overview.

II. Fast track

A.      Fast track objective and procedures.

B.      Terms of the 1997 draft law on fast track.

C.      Reasons for the failure of fast track in 1997.

III. Other aspects of US Trade Policy.

A.      Trade Preferences.

B.      Import Inspection and Classification

IV. Implications for the FTAA process.

A.      Scenario I: A new fast track concession.

B.      Scenario II: Negotiate without fast track.

V. Final observations.

8.      

Author:

Title:

Implementation of the Agricultural Agreement of the Uruguay Round:

Priority aspects for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Status:

April 1998, SP / DRE / Di No. 22-98

Language:

(Spanish-English)

Summary:

Contains a follow up of the issues that shape the international trade agenda, especially those related to the agricultural sector.

Contents:

Introduction.

1.       The Agricultural Agreement of the Uruguay Round.

2.       Agricultural Policies after the Uruguay Round.

3.       Toward new regulations governing agricultural trade.

4.       Priority issues in realizing agricultural commitments.

Trade patterns and the implications of the Uruguay Round Agreement for agricultural products.

9.      

Author:

  Permanent Secretariat of SELA

Title:

United States objectives in agricultural trade negotiations with the WTO.

Status:

June 1998, SP / DRE / Di No. 25-98

Language:

(Spanish-English)

Summary:

Contains an analysis of the Workshop on Multilateral Agricultural Trade: Perspectives for Latin America and the Caribbean, held in Geneva, at the UNCTAD Headquarters, on June 29-30, 1998.

Contents:

I.                     Introduction.

II.                   United States objective

III.                  Alternative methods for formulating policies

IV.                Priorities