GOLD Report I - UCLG

199Despite advancesin decentralization,Latin America is stilla continent with ahigh degree ofpolitical, territorialand economiccentralization,exacerbated byconcentration in themetropolises andimmense social andterritorialdisparitiesVI. ConclusionDespite advances in decentralization, LatinAmerica is still a continent with a highdegree of political, territorial and economiccentralization, exacerbated by concentrationin the metropolises and immense socialand territorial disparities.In the near future, new debates are envisaged.New centralizing trends have emergedthat are curtailing local self-government,such as the accreditation of local capacitiesneeded in Costa Rica to qualify for the transferof responsibilities and resources. Publicpurchase 58 , information and monitoring systems–through administrative mechanisms–control, condition and restrict municipalautonomy.The decentralizing experiences have reignitedthe debate about the importance oflocal development for sustainable andsocially equitable development at the nationallevel. The issue of good local governanceis emphasized and understoodas a form of territorial self-governmentbased on participatory networks of localactors, public-private alliances and themobilization of own territorial resourcesto activate the endogenous processes ofdevelopment.58. In Chile, Chile Compras, as the only public sector purchasing website, is presented as an example of procedural transparency andrationalization of public purchasing for central government and municipalities. Yet it is not very practical for local governments,as it displaces local providers, favors national companies and slows down the administrative process, to the detriment ofmunicipal responsiveness to the demands of the community.