LOOKING BACK AT LATIN AMERICA`S ECONOMY. 2012..

Looking back at the past year, many of the posts on Latin America’s Moment touch on the region’s economic development, and its trade and investment ties with the rest of the world. Here is a recap of some of the main themes.

Overall, 2012 was a year of economic optimism for most Latin American economies. The IMF’s Latin America Economic Outlook report, was quite bullish. And ECLAC announced that Latin America hit an ALL-TIME $150 BILLION HIGH in foreign direct investment, led by Brazil. Also crucial in the region’s economic development were the GROWING NUMBER OF WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE.

Brazil’s economy still dominated the headlines, though the positive near consensus faded, as analysts grappled with slow growth. I argue here and here that, while Brazil’s hype may have been initially overdone, the country still boasts a solid consumer base, a relatively high GDP per capita, and a succesful conditional cash program that is helping to pull many into the middle class.

Meanwhile, interest in Mexico’s economy is rising, despite continued insecurity and violence. This has a lot to do with its economic openness, global competitiveness, and close links to the United States. To see the evolution of Mexico’s (and other Latin American countries’) exports

I hope that we all Latin countries will have another successful year for Latin America’s economies in 2013 and happy NEW YEAR 2013 to all.