Cooperation with Latin America

Latin America is one of the most democratic regions outside of Europe and North America. But corruption and shortcomings in the rule of law are impeding development. Despite all the progress made in countries like Brazil and Mexico, 40 percent of all the inhabitants of Latin America live below the poverty line. Additionally economic growth in Central and South America is putting a strain on important natural resources such as the Amazon rainforest, which is being cut down to satisfy the growing need for farmland to raise soybeans and animals. Deforestation of the tropical forest also has a direct and negative effect on the climate in other parts of the world. This is just one of the reasons German development policy supports its Latin American partner countries in developing democracy and promoting good governance. We foster poverty reduction in part through sustainable and socially compatible economic growth, while simultaneously protecting important natural resources.

One of Inwent’s most important tasks here is intensifying the exchange of experience between countries and regional cooperation. This is why we promote cross-national dialogue and support regional processes of integration. Inwent works closely with regional institutions in Latin America, such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Germany also maintains a strategic partnership with the Economic Commission of the United Nations for Latin America and the Caribbean (Comisión Económica para América Latina. Inwent offers programmes on social cohesion for Mercosur (Mercado Común del Sur, Southern Common Market) member states. The seminars address socially just systems of taxation and corporate social responsibility. Another programme focuses on developing regional dialogue in Mercosur member states on energy policy issues. These dialogues are accompanied by advanced training courses for political decision-makers involved in energy policy.

Two Inwent Latin American partner countries, Mexico and Brazil, are well on their way to becoming global powers. They are anchor countries for German development policy and play a leading role both economically and politically in their respective regions. Brazil’s economy is growing, and reforms are clearly visible. This is why the environment and climate protection are critical issues in Brazil. In Mexico protecting the environment and promoting renewable energy sources are central, as is sustainable economic development.

Inwent also offers capacity building on conflict resolution in Central America. The quality of education is another issue addressed by our teacher training seminars.

In cooperation with its Brazilian partner, Inwent Brazil, Inwent offers interested Germans practice-oriented training seminars to expand their expert knowledge. Young professionals from economics, engineering, environmental protection and computer science for the most part learn about the way of life and workplace culture in their host country. They improve their language skills while increasing their specialised area knowledge during on-the-job training in Brazil. Experts from Brazil can participate in Inwent’s practical training programme in Germany.

Federal Ministry of economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) information on the topic 

Topical portal Campo Latino 

Mercado Común del Sur (Mercosur) 

Inter-American Development Bank