The document by Waldo Mendoza (research coordinator for COPLA Peru) titled ‘Trade policy and poverty in Peru. How do free trade agreements (FTA) impact rural poverty?’ presents clearly the existent evidence that links international trade with growth and with poverty as the other side of the same story. The document published by CIES and available in the resources area of COPLA Peru in http://www.cop-la.net/en/node/357 analyses theories on the matter and then focuses on the implementation of the FTA signed with the United States.

COPLA-Peru has been launched in a context marked by the negotiations of possible free-trade agreements with important commercial partners and the upcoming European Union-Latin America and APEC Forums.

Both COPLA Nicaragua and Bolivia address the use of natural resources by the poor. While it is recognised that their participation in the value chain is important, it is also true that this does not guarantee success for those involved. It is also the case that a wide range of policies are necessary to develop the systems, competencies and skills that are conducive to the poor successfully participating of community based forestry and the trade of forest-related products. A recent paper from ODI Natural Resoruces Perspective by Benno Pokorny and James Johnson suggests the following:

The main aim of the paper is to explore the female industrialists struggle for personal independence and entrepreneurial success in the aftermath of Peru’s adoption of Neo-liberal policies.

This paper reviews the issue of gender and trade within the global economy, and considers the general topic with specific concern for the case of alternative trade organizations (ATOs) set up to help

In order to attain economic growth that can benefit women, GATE has produced this report for USAID/Peru.

The research pillar of COPLA Peru is focused on the small agricultural sector, which is the main livelihood source for the rural poor.

8 page summary of the types and themes of the evidence, which will be generated in the programmes framework.

This report was prepared for USAID/Peru by the Greater Access to Trade Expansion (GATE) project with support from the Centro Peruano de Estudios Sociales (CEPES) under the USAID Women in Development (

Promoting Gender in USAID Trade-related Economic Growth Activities
Implemented by Development & Training Services, Inc. (dTS)
Duration: September 30, 2004 – 2009
Funding: $6.1 million

The GATE Project strengthens the capacity of USAID/Washington and Missions worldwide to institute gender-equitable practices and policies in USAID-funded economic growth and trade activities.