Changing production patterns with social equity

Foreword 

In this document, the ECLAC Secretariat has sought to present a synthesized study of the main lessons left by the economic crisis of the 198Os. On this basis, it presents a proposal, for consideration of member States' governments, for the development of the Latin American and Caribbean countries for the 199Os and beyond. This proposal revolves around what is considered to be the primary and common task of all the countries: the transformation of the productive structures of the region in a context of progressively greater social equity. Such a process is intended to create new sources of dynamism which will, in turn, make it possible to achieve some of the objectives inherent to a contemporary conception of development: growth, improvement of income distribution, consolidation of the democratization process, greater autonomy, establishment of conditions which will halt the deterioration of the environment, and improvement of the quality of life of the entire population.

 It should be noted, however, the proposal does not pretend to offer a single, universally applicable recipe: rather, it consists of a set of guidelines which must, of course, be adapted to the particular situations of the individual countries.

The study is set out in six chapters. The first chapter presents an introduction and summary of the main ideas contained in this document. The second analyses the initial setting, noting that there has been a slowing down of growth, macroeconomic disequilibria, a regressive adjustment process, weakening of the public sector, and a decline in investment. The third chapter then analyses some of the factors conditioning the transformation of the productive structure: the international environment, macroeconomic equilibria, the availability of development financing, and the support of diverse actors of societies. The fourth chapter goes on to set forth the main features of changing production patterns with social equity, together with some of the dilemmas that the process will be faced with.

On the basis of what has been covered in the preceding chapters, chapter five outlines some basic policies which facilitate the desired changes in production patterns. After analyzing the subject of specific national features, it deals with policies designed to support true competitiveness, to strengthen production linkages, and to improve interaction between public and private agents. Finally, chapter six deals with the contribution that economic integration could make to the process of change in production patterns and proposes some policies in the areas interacting with the international economy, promoting production linkages, and strengthening the institutional foundation of integration.

This study is based on the rich and varied lessons learnt during the 1980s, both within and outside the region, and on the analysis of concrete experiences, some of which are briefly described in boxes in order to illustrate the proposed policy outlines. Like every undertaking of this scale, the document forms part of a broader and deeper process. Thus, it not only contains the general thrust of a proposal, but also sketches the broad priorities of the future work programme of the Secretariat. Ultimately, this study and future activities which will stem from it seek to contribute to the present and future debate in the region, as it approaches the twenty-first century, on how to achieve sustained development.