Background & Objectives
- The Central American Economic Integration System (SIECA) is the most advanced regional integration effort in Latin America, enabling 99% of traded goods to circulate duty-free among its six member states. The EU has significantly supported this process through the EU-Central America Association Agreement (EU-CA AA), which has enhanced trade, investment, and sustainability in the region.
- Since 2012, the EU-CA AA’s Trade Pillar has been provisionally applied, fostering increased regional integration and sustainable practices despite political challenges. With Belgium’s recent ratification, the agreement is set to enter full force, further strengthening trade and cooperation between the EU and Central America.
Activities
- Activity A: Studies
Identify green growth sectors for EU investment, aligned with the Global Gateway strategy, through dialogue and analysis, and present a strategic investment matrix.
- Activity B: EU Business Events
Organize outreach activities to inform EU businesses about trade opportunities and promote investment, accompanied by materials and consumer awareness campaigns.
- Activities C-H: Sustainable Growth
Promote sustainable investment, provide technical assistance, support gender equality, and strengthen women-led export businesses.
Results
- Enhanced compliance with environmental, social, and labor standards, particularly gender equality, through civil society engagement and policy reforms.
- Strengthened women and women-led businesses with opportunities for equal benefits under the EU-CA AA.
- Improved investment climate, unlocking EU investment opportunities in Central America.
