Español

During the First Summit of the Americas held in December 1994 in Miami, the presidents of the 34 democratic countries of the Americas agreed to start the promotion and establishment of the Area of Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), a free trade area which comprises the entire continent and favors the progressive elimination of trade and investment barriers in the region.

The FTAA's objective is the achievement of greater well-being and progress for all citizens of the Americas, as part of an integral vision of the political, economic and social future of the continent.

• The FTAA is guided by four fundamental principles:
• Preservation and strengthening of the democratic community of the Americas.
• Promotion of well-being through economic integration and free trade
• Eradication of poverty and discrimination in the hemisphere.
• Guarantee of sustainable development and preservation of the environment for future generations.
  

The FTAA will be established by the year 2005 at the latest. The FTAA's final characteristics will be determined through negotiations by the official representatives of the governments of the 34 participating countries.