Transport Corridors spur border areas in South America

摘要

The integration of South American countries into free market economic unions requires the construction of inter-regional transport corridors. The integration of regional infrastructure creates opportunities for border areas to develop cross-border interregional functions, something that will have an increasing impact on the use of space. Concern has been expressed about the impact on critical habitats, uncontrolled migration, and the promotion of trade incentives that could lead to environmental damage and social conflicts. All this requires proper planning. Emerging economies are changing rapidly; they are adjusting to new realities and becoming dynamic and global. Globalisation is also leading to national frontiers losing their significance, creating opportunities for interregional development. Border areas - known not so long ago as "the ends of the earth" - are becoming new centres with their Sown particular dynamics. In South America, the South American Regional Infrastructure Integration Initiative (IIRSA) is being promoted as a regional priority for economic development and integration between the MERCOSUR countries (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) and the Andean Pact countries (Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela). IIRSA foresees the construction of ten major priority transport corridors, some of them being bi-oceanic, coast-to-coast east-west corridors, others running north-south.