The Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) was a proposed agreement aimed at creating a free trade zone across the entire Americas, from Canada to Argentina. The goal was to eliminate trade barriers, such as tariffs, to promote economic cooperation and increase trade among member countries. Negotiations for the FTAA began in 1994 but faced challenges, including differing economic interests and concerns about labor and environmental standards. Although the agreement was never finalized, it highlighted the importance of regional trade agreements in fostering economic integration in the Americas.