The Permanent Secretary of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA),
Ambassador Lesly David, participated in the Forty-First Session of the Economic
Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), a regional forum for dialogue
in which the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean analyse the main economic and
social challenges facing the region and explore ways to strengthen its development.

During the sessions, discussions have focused in particular on the need to deepen
regional integration in an international context characterised by greater fragmentation,
where changes in trade flows, supply chains and investment dynamics pose new
challenges for the region’s economies.

In this context, integration takes on strategic importance as a means of expanding
opportunities, strengthening capacities and generating collective responses to an
increasingly complex international environment. SELA’s involvement is directly linked to
this challenge, as its Work Programme promotes actions aimed at strengthening ties
among countries and creating conditions that enable the region’s potential to be
harnessed.

One of the key areas is the promotion of intra-regional trade, which is seen as a means of
expanding markets, diversifying trade relations, strengthening regional value chains and
creating greater opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises. In line with these
priorities, SELA is considering initiatives aimed at economic integration, trade facilitation
and the strengthening of SMEs.

In this regard, making progress on trade integration involves not only increasing trade
flows, but also facilitating trade, improving connectivity, reducing barriers and
strengthening the mechanisms that enable companies from different countries to establish
links and integrate into regional markets.

In addition, it is important to strengthen public-private partnerships by involving the
business sector, academia and other stakeholders in developing solutions and
opportunities for integration. This coordination is essential for aligning public policies with
the needs of the productive sectors and turning regional agreements into tangible results.

Furthermore, during the Forty-first Session of ECLAC, SELA’s Permanent Secretary,
Ambassador Lesly David, held bilateral meetings with the Venezuelan Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Félix Plasencia, and the Executive Director of the Chilean Agency for International
Development Cooperation (AGCID), Enrique O’Farrill-Julien. At both meetings,
opportunities for joint work were assessed, focusing on productive coordination,
sustainability and innovation, risk management and South-South cooperation.

SELA’s participation in the Forty-First Session of ECLAC thus contributes to the dialogue
on how to make integration an effective response to fragmentation, underpinning this
vision through a coordinated work programme that strengthens intra-regional trade,
cooperation and the partnerships needed to promote more equitable and sustainable
development in Latin America and the Caribbean.