Global Integration

Goods and services produced in one part of the world are increasingly available in all parts of the world. International travel is more frequent and international communication is commonplace. International travel has been boosted by a growing airline industry and many persons now travel abroad for both business and leisure. The airline industry also facilitates the quick movement of migrants and countries such as Canada can be considered ethnic and cultural melting pots due to their significant migrant communities.

There has also been a push for political integration as nations seek to ensure their economic future through a collaborative effort. The rise and strengthening of regional bodies such as the European Union (EU), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are prime examples of countries coming together for a common goal.

These regional groups all espouse the concept of closer ties and initiatives such as a single currency and the free movement of the citizens of member states between these states are items at the fore. We have already seen the introduction of the Euro as the single currency of most EU member states and CARICOM is into the launch of its new integration initiative, the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The most exciting change the CSME is intended to introduce was to for the first time make it lawfully possible for capital, skills and people to move freely in the region. The trade in services was facilitated and Caribbean citizens were enabled to establish enterprises wherever they wish in the region.