An
exercise in reflection about the territorial
dimension of Andean integration has
been launched within the framework
of the New Strategic Design for the
CAN. The first steps were taken in
that direction with the preparation
of the studies: "Economic geography
of the Andean Community. Regions:
new actors in the integration process,"
(2003) which made it possible to identify
the regional (subnational) origin
of intra-Andean trade, and "Elements
for a Territorial Development Strategy"
(2005). Each Member Country's varied
national, regional and local actors
will be consulted about the two documents
and their contributions will be added
so that an Andean Strategy for the
development of Territorial Competitiveness
can be prepared.
The
Andean Advisory Council of Municipal
Authorities (CCAAM) was set up in
May 2004 through Decision 585 because
cities and municipalities are important
for strengthening democracy and furthering
development and because the balanced
and harmonious development of the
Andean countries is one of the objectives
of the integration process.
The
Andean Cities Network (RAC) was created
on September 8, 2003 in Quito, Ecuador
"as a valid instrument to provide
the mutual support and joint efforts
needed to enable Municipalities to
administer cities efficiently, improve
the people's living conditions, fight
poverty and build local societies
that are capable of competing in the
globalized world of the twenty-first
century." This agreement is open
to the accession of new cities.
