The role of big business in the economic integration of latin america

In light of the current trend toward economic integration in Latin America, this paper examines the role that big business plays in export development. The analysis is primarily descriptive and focuses on three factors: the type of industry, ownership, and value of exports of the 300 largest companies in Latin America. The results indicate that state, private and foreign firms each dominate in particular types of industries. Contrary to the popular assumption that economic integration necessarily leads to development, these results suggest the need for changes in public policy in regard to the current structure of big business in Latin America and its role in export-led development.