Half-finished things are quite common in Latin America. The problem of over-indebtedness isn't acute anymore but it still remains unsolved. In 1989 only 5 countries out of 25 recorded a growth in their rate of production per capita. The author presents some approximations about the time period needed to rega in the wealth leoel of1980. The decisive factor is the development of the investment rate. He holds that debt restructuring is one of the most decisive factors to accelerate its rise. Furthermore he explains that the cut back of fiscal expenditures to reduce the deficit must be stopped. The article ends whith the hope that Latin American will overcome its traditional hostility towards direct investments now that it has become much more dependent on anonymous foreign financing.
external debt; Latin America; economic growth