This work reviews come contributions of studies carried out by the ILO between 1995 and 2001 on the regulations affecting microenterprises and informal sectors in several countries of the region. It is pointed out initially that the consensus achieved on the benefits of paying more attention to informality, because of its irnportance in relation to employment and poverty, is limited, because of the absence of a common strategic vision, situation that is explained by the lack of a common diagnostic. The diverse interpretations and the heterogeneity of informal activities derive in diverse strategies. It is then indicated that the regulatory approach equates informality with illegality and precarious jobs, two attributes related to informality, but conceptually different. Finally, the strategic options to regulate informality are explored, and outlines to achieve the formalization of informal activities, facilitating its incorporation to the process of modernization, are proposed.
