The integration initiative of Plan Puebla Panama : considerations from the balancing regional development of Mesiamerica

Abstract

Regional integrations are promoted by the globalization process and are viewed by many countries as a sign of growth. Developed countries benefit from the formation of regional blocks in less developed countries by expanding their global markets through the promotion of free trade and investments. One such integration is the Plan Puebla Panamá (PPP) that has received the endorsement of developed countries and the consent of the Central American governments, Mexico and Colombia. This region, commonly called today “Mesoamerica” is inhabited by an important population living in both the urban and rural areas, in the later composed of a significant number of farmers and indigenous people. The necessity of bringing economic, social and environmental development to this region is paramount. However, the PPP emphasizes commercial and financial growth and privatization. Consequently, this essay is an analysis of the basis principles of the PPP from a regional development perspective, it presents proposals and finally it evaluates the viability of making the PPP a mechanism for the equitable regional development of Mesoamerica