In recent years, and continuing in 2007, the Region has benefited from favorable liquidity conditions in international markets and from an increase in world demand for commodities such as soybeans, minerals and, most importantly, oil.  The situation in the international arena has  also contributed to an improvement in the terms of exchange in the Region, as well as an increasing trend in remittances received.

The year 2007 was characterized by continued positive economic performance in Latin America, whose  GDP increased by 5.4%. In general, there was improvement in the risk profiles of individual countries. Likewise, there was sustained growth in the Asian economy, particularly in the economies of China and India, whose GDP numbers increased 11.4% and 9.2%, respectively. A robust level of remittances for 2007 was estimated at $64.0 billion, compared to $60.0 billion in 2006, with improvement in global price levels for the Latin America's main export products: crude oil (at approximately $100 per barrel); copper (exceeding $3 per pound); and soybeans (more than  $300 per ton).

An improvement of nearly 3% in the Region's terms of exchange allowed it to maintain a surplus balance in its current account of more than $25.0 billion. The rate of improvement in terms of exchange may be considered a good indicator of economic growth, since prior to 2002, the account had historically shown a deficit.