Free trade, far from protectionism, is the path that we should take to make Latin America a thriving actor in the global economy.

The North American Free Trade Agreement marked a fundamental change in the global trade scheme.

Europe would be well advised to pay more attention to Latin America. The emerging economies are the engines of the global economy. Colombia has done too little to improve its reputation in Europe.

The progressive movement against the war of occupation in Iraq is a reason for hope, as is resistance to free trade agreements in Latin America. Those are moments that we have to celebrate: that people still find the resolve and energy to resist.

Free trade should not mean free labor.

We should reconsider greater integration of North America to achieve a region that is more competitive and capable of creating more jobs.