XIII Working Group on Trade and Competition of Latin America and the Caribbean UNCTAD SELA
International trade is undergoing a period of significant transformation, marked by changes in tariff policies, geopolitical tensions and new regulatory requirements. In this context, the combined effects of tariffs, non-tariff barriers and sector-specific regulations are reshaping market access conditions, business competitiveness and opportunities for economic integration.
For developing countries, these changes pose particular challenges. While regulations pursue legitimate public policy objectives, unnecessary or disproportionate requirements can increase trade costs, restrict competition and deepen existing economic disparities. Against this backdrop, strengthening coordination among trade and competition authorities and sectoral regulators is essential.
In this context, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) and the National Commission for the Defence of Competition (PRO-COMPETENCIA) of the Dominican Republic are organizing the XIII Annual Meeting of the Working Group on Trade and Competition in Latin America and the Caribbean (GTCC-ALC), to be held on 5 and 6 November 2026 in Santo Domingo.
The meeting will provide a platform for regional dialogue and the exchange of experiences to examine the relationship between non-tariff barriers, competition policy and economic integration. It will aim to identify regulatory challenges and develop concrete recommendations to reduce unnecessary trade costs, promote more competitive markets and strengthen regional cooperation.
- The sessions will focus on five priority areas:
Non-tariff barriers and regional trade: Examining the evolution and impact of these measures on competition, market access and economic integration in Latin America and the Caribbean. - Competition and sectoral regulation: Exploring mechanisms to strengthen coordination between competition authorities and sectoral regulators, promoting efficiency, investment and competitive markets in strategic sectors, including public utilities.
- Cross-border trade: Identifying regulatory and administrative obstacles, as well as opportunities to facilitate trade between countries.
- Sustainability, trade and competition: Assessing the implications of environmental standards and sustainability requirements for trade and competitiveness.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): Assessing the impact of regulatory compliance costs on smaller businesses and identifying measures to facilitate their participation in regional and international markets.
The meeting will also feature a Solutions Lab, bringing together representatives of competition and trade authorities and academic experts to identify specific non-tariff barriers and develop practical recommendations to reduce them.
The discussions and working group exercises will contribute to the development of regional recommendations aimed at identifying and reducing unnecessary non-tariff barriers, strengthening cooperation among national authorities and promoting more open, competitive and integrated markets across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The meeting will bring together representatives of competition and trade authorities from Latin America and the Caribbean, international and regional organizations, academic institutions, and experts in trade, competition and regulatory policy.
Registration for virtual participation: https://tinyurl.com/promovercompetencia
