The creation of a single market through regional economic integration offers significant opportunities because markets that were formerly protected from foreign competition are increasingly open. Opportunities arise from the inherently lower costs of doing business in a single market. Even after the removal of barriers to trade and investment, differences in culture and competitive practices often limit the ability of companies to centralize production. A major threat to businesses is that with lowered trade barriers, the business environment can become even more competitive. Firms can also be shut out of markets if they do not have a local presence. Select the most appropriate trade agreement for each description. 1. Far less successful than the UE, it had all but collapsed in the 1980s. Some growth was seen after adoption of free market economic policies. Negotiations on the creation of a free trade area are proceeding at a very slow pace.
2. Agreement ratified by all three countries and went into effect January 1, 1994.
3. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic are at the core with an invitation for the United States for bilateral talks.
4. Paraguay and Uruguay became members in March 1990, and in 2006, Venezuela joined but has yet to be fully integrated.
5. Environmental and job loss fears did not materialize.
6. Venezuela joined at one point but has since withdrawn.
7. After an earlier attempt failed following a war between two participants, a new impetus came in 2003 when the United States signaled its intention to enter into bilateral trade negotiations with the group.
8. Trade between the four core members quadrupled between 1990 and 1998, but recession created major problems.