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Trade and Investment

Trade and Investment

Driving growth through regional and international trade and investment.

Panorámica de buque portacontenedores en puerto marítimo. Comercio y transporte - Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo - BID
Sector Framework Initiatives Projects at a Glance Platforms and Networks
Operarios sujetando estructura metálica a grúa. Industria y comercio - Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo - BID
Our Vision

We understand integration, trade, and investment as essential pillars for the development of Latin America and the Caribbean. We seek an increasingly integrated and economically active region capable of achieving sustainable economic and social development. Through technical and financial support, we strengthen both the regulatory framework, or "software," and the infrastructure, or "hardware," of integration throughout the region.

Panorámica de grúas y contenedores apilados en puerto terrestre. Integración regional - Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo - BID
Current Focus Areas

We implement projects that promote regional cooperation; from the creation of border infrastructure to the management of regional public goods and the negotiation of treaties. We create knowledge from research and business statistics. We analyze and recommend public policies on export promotion, investment attraction, and trade opening and facilitation. We also develop skills in the public sector, support the private sector by accompanying SMEs that wish to export and join global value chains, and we facilitate networks and events that seek exchange between entrepreneurs and public officials.

Private Sector Export and Investment Promotion

We help the region’s companies become export-ready by offering training, trade financing, and business networking opportunities.

Maquinaria de fabricación de telas en planta de producción. Industria y desarrollo - Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo - BID
Trade Facilitation

We help the region's governments work together to better manage their shared borders and customs procedures.

Mujeres capacitándose en manejo de máquina de coser. Inclusión y desarrollo social - Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo - BID
Support Trade and Investment Agreements

We promote and support trade and investment agreements, both regionally and internationally.

Grúas descargando contenedores de buque en puerto marítimo. Comercio - Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo - BID
Applied Research

We conduct actionable research that advances the region’s competitiveness and participation in international supply chains.

Mujeres trabajando en línea de producción de medicamentos. Industria y equidad - Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo - BID
Training and Capacity Building

We provide training and capacity building for government officials on trade facilitation to improve efficiency and lower costs.

Mujeres capacitándose en manejo de máquina de coser. Inclusión y desarrollo social - Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo - BID
IDB Launches 'South Connection' Regional Program
New program will promote integration and growth in South America SANTIAGO – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) presented today “South Connection,” a new regional program co-created by the countries of South America for developing strategic corridors to improve connectivity, strengthen value...
Growth in Goods Exports from Latin America and the Caribbean Faces Risks, Services Continue to Expand
Growth in volumes and the stabilization of prices explained the recovery in goods exports.Service exports sustained robust growth.The increase in extraregional trade flows was offset by a contraction in intraregional trade.The value of goods exports from Latin America and the Caribbean rose by 3.2%...
Uruguay Promotes Development of Advanced Digital Skills for Internationalization of Its Companies
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved an $8 million loan to support the internationalization of Uruguayan companies by developing digital skills applied to new technologies in knowledge-intensive goods and services sectors. The operation, approved by the IDB's Board of Executive...

Private-Sector Forum 2025

 

The Private-Sector Forum highlighted the essential role businesses play in driving economic growth and sustainability across Latin America, the Caribbean, and globally. The IDB, IDB Invest and IDB Lab actively seek private sector partnerships to maximize impact and improve lives throughout the region. With abundant resources, strong leadership, and competitive advantages, Latin America and the Caribbean are positioned for transformation—but unlocking this potential requires private sector engagement. The Inter-American Development Bank serves as a crucial bridge connecting public and private sectors, regional and global interests, and countries with opportunities to turn vision into tangible development.

a map of the world Trade Trends Estimates: Latin America and the Caribbean. 2025 Edition
a red boat in a dock Trade - Inter-American Development Bank - IDB Making the Invisible Visible: Investment Promotion and Multinational Production in Latin America and the Caribbean
Women writing in front of a laptop - Inter American Development Bank - IDB Trade Facilitating International Trade for MSMEs
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