Book Description

This unique book addresses recent strides at trade regionalism in the Western Hemisphere. In addition, it provides a detailed discussion of the prospects, potential content, and likely impact of a U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement. Such an accord is very likely. In February 1994 the Clinton Administration announced that negotiations with Chile were expected to begin during the Spring of 1994 with completion at the end of 1995. Prior to focusing on U.S.-Chile trade, the book details contemporary efforts at trade regionalism in the Western Hemisphere, including: the U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement, the Caribbean Basin Initiative, the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative, the Andean Trade Preference Act, the Latin American Integration Association, the Caribbean Community Common Market, the Andean Pact, the Central American Common Market, the Southern Cone Common Market (Mercosur) and Chilean bilateral trade and investment arrangements. Next, a synopsis of recent U.S.-Chilean trade and investment relations as well as the impetus for a U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement are provided. In addition, the book offers an empirical assessment of U.S.-Chilean trade and investment relations. It also describes the various issues and topics that are likely to be covered in any U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement. Furthermore, particular U.S. and Chilean market sectors that might be affected by such an agreement are detailed. The conclusion is that a U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement would continue previous attempts at trade regionalism in Western Hemisphere. An annex provides an extensive directory of key government and business contacts in the U.S. and Chile, facilitating trade and investment opportunities for individuals and firms.