El tratado de libre comercio y las nuevas oportunidades laborales en las pymes en Ecuador

Abstract

This research analyzes the impact of the Free Trade Agreement between Ecuador and China on the creation of new employment opportunities in small and medium-sized enterprises in the city of Ambato. The study recognizes this agreement as an international legal instrument with economic, productive, and labor effects, particularly for sectors connected to foreign trade, local production, and employment. The methodology followed a mixed, legal-social, documentary, and field-based approach. Surveys were applied to 100 participants from business, legal, academic, and citizen sectors, along with interviews conducted with specialized legal professionals. The results show a critical assessment of the agreement’s effects: 50% of respondents consider that employment opportunities have decreased, 63% believe that the agreement harms SMEs, and 77% state that the arrival of foreign products negatively affects local work. Nevertheless, the study also identifies opportunities related to innovation, productive diversification, market access, and business growth. A total of 86% of participants believe that companies require greater innovation to remain competitive, while 60% consider that the agreement contributes to offering new products or services. The research concludes that the Free Trade Agreement between Ecuador and China does not, by itself, create formal, decent, and sustainable employment in SMEs in Ambato. Its positive impact depends on public policies related to financing, training, innovation, trade defense, labor formalization, and technical support. Therefore, trade liberalization must be coordinated with labor protection and the strengthening of the local productive sector.