Integration continues to be widely valued economically and culturally among Latin Americans. In 2023, 79% were in favor of this mechanism at the regional level, an increase of 8% compared to the 2020 measurement, according to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
“Support for regional integration marks a historic record in the last 28 years,” says the IDB report.Latin America in connection”, carried out in partnership with the public opinion corporation Latinobarómetro.
According to the report, this growth could be related to the rebound of the regional economy after the crisis generated by the pandemic.
Once again, Uruguay stands out as the country that shows the highest level of support from citizens for integration with the countries of the region (91%), followed by El Salvador (86%) and the Dominican Republic (85%). Other countries with a very high level of support are Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia.
As in previous measurements, the highest rates of support in 2023 are found among men (83%) compared to women (76%), whose percentages increase among those with higher incomes and those with a university education level (87%).
On the other hand, 77% of Latin Americans positively value trade agreements outside Latin America (increase of 7% compared to 2020), with Chile being the country where most citizens consider the impact of these treaties to be positive (8 out of 10). It is followed by El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and Mexico (7 out of 10).
In addition, Latin Americans believe that regional integration is linked mainly to greater employment opportunities (61%), as well as access to more and better technology (56%) and higher salaries (52%).
The report also shows findings in terms of socioeconomic and cultural conditions of people. In this regard, interest in technology is greater among men; however, preference for employment is greater among women.
According to the report, 52% of Latin Americans are optimistic and believe they will not lose their jobs despite automation.
The results also reveal that Latin America prioritizes sustainable growth, with environmental protection and climate change high on the agenda.
84% believe that it is possible to reconcile economic growth with environmental protection, a relevant issue on the current agenda. Uruguay and Costa Rica stand out, with 9 out of 10 citizens supporting this idea.
In summary, the broad Latin American support for integration that emerges from the study suggests that policies implemented in the region should follow what the state of public opinion seems to indicate.Full report from the Inter-American Development Bank).
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