In the 1990s, Canada's trade relations with Latin America and the Caribbean intensified. The signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994 signaled the beginning of a new phase in trade relations between Canada and countries in the hemisphere. Since 1994, Canada has signed trade agreements with Costa Rica and Chile. Currently, negotiations are underway for a free trade agreement with Central America. Also, preliminary talks of trade agreements with the Caribbean and the Andean Community have taken place. In addition, Canada is actively participating in negotiations for a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). Moreover, trade and Investment Cooperation Agreements (TICAs) have been signed with the Andean Community and Mercosur. As a result of the free trade agreements (FTAs) and increasing liberalization, trade between Canada and Latin America and the Caribbean has more than doubled since 1990. Also, in the past decade, Canadian investment in Latin America and the Caribbean has grown six-fold.