Driving growth through regional and international trade and investment.
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.
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.
We help the region’s companies become export-ready by offering training, trade financing, and business networking opportunities.
We help the region's governments work together to better manage their shared borders and customs procedures.
We promote and support trade and investment agreements, both regionally and internationally.
We conduct actionable research that advances the region’s competitiveness and participation in international supply chains.
We provide training and capacity building for government officials on trade facilitation to improve efficiency and lower costs.
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.
Discover the topics in which we work to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Explore our offices across countries and the work they do to improve lives.