Argentine-Brazilian economic integration: an early appraisal

Abstract

Attempts have been made at Latin American regional integration since the late 1950s, but on each occasion, high expectations have met with disappointing failures. In July 1986, however, a new phase began in the history of Latin American integration as Presidents Alfonsin of Argentina and Sarney of Brazil signed the Argentina-Brazil Economic Integration Pact (ABEIP). Since the first protocols were signed in 1986, however, progress for the ABEIP has gradually come to a halt. Why should this be the case? This article contends that a combination of structural, financial, administrative, and political problems together account for the ABEIP having reached a standstill after its very promising start. The main drive behind the integration effort was the political willingness of the two presidents rather than the initiative of grass-roots economic and social groups. -from Author