The large-scale, export-oriented agricultural enterprises of Ecuador's coastal region, represented by Guayaquil, continue to compete with the smaller farms and businesses of the Andean highlands, represented by Quito. This persistent regional rivalry often determines the outcome of key national issues and frequently paralyzes the government.

The constant rise and fall of the economy makes it very difficult for Ecuador to realize any meaningful economic, social or political changes. It seems that just when something is about to change for the better, the country enters a period of economic decline. Finding a way to break the boom-bust cycle is imperative to the stabilization of the countries economy, political system, and to the advancement of social reform.