Economy and Development

Economists and their Influence on Latin America’s Policies and Social Analysis

By Consuelo Uribe
October 5, 2016

Starting in the 70s, during the 80s and, more decisively in the 1990s, most Latin American countries implemented reforms conducive to the instauration of neoliberalism, as much in an macroeconomic and institutional frame as in the organization of key social services. This included the privatization of public companies, removing foreign exchange controls, reducing import tariffs, reforming labor law, liberating capital markets, reforming the market for services and goods and negotiating free trade agreements.

Problems with Fiscal Decentralisation: Peru’s Canon System

By John Crabtree
October 5, 2016

The funding of sub-national government as part of strategies to decentralise administrative structures is usually considered as a condition for success.  Without a degree of fiscal autonomy, local government is unable to exercise latitude in the choice of spending priorities that comes with the delegation of authority and responsibility.  However, as the recent experience of Peru shows, fiscal decentralisation is far from problem-free, especially when democratic, participative and accountable layers of government are largely missing.

Brazilian Industrial Sector at Lowest Point Since 2009

By Sophia Winston
October 5, 2016

The Brazilian Congress returns to work this week after a recess and faces news that the industrial sector has fallen yet again. Congress has been pushing the Senate to vote on tax raises on Brazilian companies in order to avoid a national credit downgrade.1 Since the industrial sector has fallen in many sectors, including automobile and informatics technology manufacturing, this push from congress is necessary in order for the country to evade a full blown economic recession.2

RUNA: A Social Enterprise Worth Knowing About

By Brianna Duhaime
October 5, 2016
social enterprise, development, economy, non-profit, NGO, Peru, Amazon, guayusa

Guayusa (ghwy-you-sa) is an Amazonian super leaf packed with caffeine and antioxidants that has been providing focused, mental energy to Amazonian hunters for years.  In 2009, the beverage company known as RUNA was created, and together with local Ecuadorian farmers, they brought guayusa to the international market. Their “clean energy” drinks provides all of the organic, natural caffeine from guayusa to provide a healthy energy high.

China's Economic Involvement in Latin America

By Sophia Winston
October 4, 2016

China’s recent mini economic collapse this past summer caused mayhem not only within its borders but thousands of miles away in many Latin American countries. Ever since the early 2000s China has been one of the leading foreign investors across Latin America in countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela.

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