Ecuador

In 2013, the growth was 4 %, stable compared with 2012. The main part of the GDP (GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT) is established by the oil income (40 % of receipts and of the agriculture(farming). The Ecuador is the first world exporter of bananas (increasing production in 2013), a big producer of cocoa and the second exporter of farmed shrimps. The export diversifies (fish, flower).

The tourist attendance increased, the country so finding the level preceding the crisis. The services contribute only weakly to the GDP(GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT) (less than 10 %). The mining sector develops gradually. The country suffered from the crisis, the budget deficit having increased, the government had to borrow with financial institutions and especially with Chin, these funds(collections) that must finance development projects. Besides, the inflation remains a weight.

The Ecuadorian government is particularly interventionist, having taken up three quarter of the parts of oil production in 2012. However, contracts should assure private enterprises a wide control over the exploitation of the Southern deposits.

The increase of production of hydrocarbons allows the government to invest(surround) in the public spending and to finance infrastructures (roads, hospitals, new international airport). A national development plan ( 2012-2014 ) was launched.

The socialist government established social measures with a minimum monthly income and launched big works which made the unemployment fall. The Ecuadorian justice condemned Chevron to have polluted the Amazonia. In November, 2013, this fine was lowered in 8,6 billion dollars. In August, 2013, the Ecuador gave up a project of protection of an Amazonian reserve where is situated a vast oil-field. For lack of international supports, the country will thus run this deposit. In 2013, the country tried to strengthen its business connections with the EU, China, Russia and Iran.

The Ecuadorian economy remains confronted with the insufficiency of the private investments, the corruption in the public sector and a mismanagement of the oil exploitation. The main challenges of the country are the diversification of its economy and the training of a more qualified workforce. Rafael Correa, the socialist president, was reelected in February, 2013.

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