EXECUTIVE SUMMARY -  

The document summarizes the essential principles which, in the view of Coalizão Empresarial Brasileira, should be incorporated into the economic integration model being negotiated by the FTAA.

With regard to the progress achieved in the negotiations, the authors note with concern the uneven advances made in the work of the different Negotiating Groups, which reflect an intensification of the growing distortion of competitive conditions in the international markets.

The Brazilian business community recognizes that the FTAA negotiations, strictu sensu, are under way and that from this point forward it is essential to encourage greater interaction between business interests and negotiators.

Accordingly, it is very important that the negotiations be made as transparent as possible, and that clearer procedures be adopted with regard to the dissemination of information in order to facilitate involvement by civil societyl.