The official launch of Strategy for the Promotion of Formalization in Latin America and the Caribbean, FORLAC 2.0, took place virtually, featured a detailed presentation of the strategy and its implementation plan for 2024-2030, providing attendees with valuable insights for designing effective formalisation policies. Additionally, a Tripartite Advisory Committee was established to oversee and guide the implementation of the strategy, ensuring that it remains on track to achieve its objectives.

The ILO's FORLAC 2.0 strategy, set to run from 2024 to 2030, aims to tackle the high level of labor informality in Latin America and the Caribbean, where 50 per cent of workers lack access to formal jobs. Grounded in ILO Recommendation 204, this strategy promotes the transition to a formal economy by focusing on productive development, social protection, and labor rights, with a strong emphasis on gender equality. The initiative seeks to strengthen the ILO's response to these challenges by fostering formal employment and developing inclusive, sustainable policies that support decent work and social justice.

The initiative aims to deliver high-quality services and innovative solutions tailored to its members' social, economic, political, and cultural contexts.

Ronald Ramlogan, Chief Executive Officer of Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago,  speaking on behalf of Latin America and the Caribbean employers at the launch event of FORLAC 2.0 in, emphasised the critical need to address labour informality in the region, where nearly half of the workforce operates outside the formal economy. He highlighted the challenges this creates for businesses, including an uneven playing field and limited access to resources for MSMEs. Ramlogan welcomed the ILO’s FORLAC 2.0 strategy for its holistic approach, which goes beyond regulatory compliance to foster an environment conducive to business growth, productivity, and inclusive development. He praised examples from Chile, Peru, and Colombia where similar efforts have successfully promoted formalisation through support and training. He also underscored the importance of coordinated implementation, sustainable financing, and long-term commitment from all stakeholders to ensure the strategy’s success. Ramlogan concluded by expressing strong support for FORLAC 2.0 and urged continued collaboration among employers, governments, and workers to achieve its goals.