Improving economic recovery by facilitating trade is one of Sieca's priorities. In this sense, the technical body launched this Thursday (10.08.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX) the "Platform for International Trade in Services in Central America«.
In a virtual eventSieca representatives explained that the initiative provides users with a computer tool that will allow them to generate reports and view results and indicators of international trade in services by country and region.
According to the World Trade Organization, trade in services has been the most dynamic component of global trade in recent years. This dynamism provides developing countries with opportunities for export-driven growth, economic diversification and integration of global value chains.
Furthermore, the services sector accounts for two-thirds of global GDP, more than agriculture. In 2022, global services exports amounted to USD 3,83 trillion globally, representing more than a fifth of world trade. It is estimated that the share of services in world trade could increase by 50% by 2040. The sector is also inclusive and responsible for 63% of jobs in Latin America and 62% in Central America.
An important fact: the balance of services during 2022 was favorable for Central America at USD 15.261 million. By country: Costa Rica (USD 6.291 million), El Salvador (USD 1.527), Nicaragua (USD 448 million), Panama (USD 9.752 million). Meanwhile, Guatemala (USD 1603 million) and Honduras (USD 1254 million) recorded negative balances.
In this context, Sieca held the launching event, where the following were invited: Ministers of Economic Integration; Executive Secretary of the Central American Monetary Council (Odalis F. Marte Alevante); Representatives of the European Union, the Private Sector, Ambassadors of Central American Countries accredited in Guatemala, academics, businessmen and the general public.
Delegates enthusiastically stated that the tool enables the user to learn more about the market situation of trade in services in the Central American region, while allowing Sieca to have a system for collecting, monitoring and following up on statistics on foreign trade in services in Central America.
In addition, the tool allows you to consult data on the exports and imports of Central American countries at the intraregional and extraregional level, disaggregating the information according to the services marketed.
In addition, the system has statistical information of exports, imports and balance of services with their respective components and other related variables.
It also enables the collection of accurate and up-to-date data on trade in services in each country in the region, statistical analysis and presentation of data in a clear and accessible manner, as well as public access to data.
With the launch, the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration – Sieca – provides those responsible for the design and management of public policies with statistical information and analysis coverage to understand the trade in services in order to increase economic recovery in the region.
For this purpose, the platform is available here: https://www.servicios.sieca.int/
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
