In the context of the tense diplomatic and commercial relationship between the two world powers, Central American countries could have the opportunity to attract new investments, as it is estimated that some American companies would need to migrate their operations to the American continent.
As a result of the tension between the two nations, Mauricio Claver-Carone, an advisor to President Trump, believes that U.S.
The health and economic crisis will result in a reordering of foreign investment at the global level, and countries like Central America will have the opportunity to take advantage of their geographical position to attract fresh capital.
The outbreak of covid-19 worldwide will cause a drop in production in 2020, however, by 2021 and 2022 the forecasts of international organizations anticipate that economic activity could rebound, a rise that would be coupled with new investments in various markets and sectors.
The country issued $500 million in the international market with a 12-year term, at a rate of 5.37%, and $700 million in the 30-year term, at an interest rate of 6.13%.
The operation was carried out through the Bank of America (BOFA), one of the most important investment banks in the world, chosen through a competitive process, informed the Public Finance Ministry (Minfin).
In order to redirect public resources due to the covid-19 outbreak, the government decided that investment projects that have not started to be implemented and those that are at an advanced stage will be suspended.
A letter signed by the Minister of Finance, Nelson Fuentes, and sent to the heads of state institutions, explains that the programs and projects contained in the Budget and Annual Public Investment Program Law (PAIP) are suspended.
The Ministry of Finance issued Treasury Bonds for an amount equivalent to $116 million, of which $52 million was in local currency and $64 million in foreign currency.
The overall amount of Treasury Bonds issued by the Republic of Guatemala so far, amounts to $414 million, corresponding to Fiscal Year 2020, of which one million correspond to Treasury Bonds issuances for small investors.
The American clothing and accessories brand Banana Republic opened its first store on Avenida Escazú and has a 300 square meter customer service area.
AR Holdings, administrator of the franchise, reported that this is the first of several stores that the conglomerate plans to open in the coming years in the region, specifically in Guatemala, Panama and the Dominican Republic.
The rating agency kept the country's debt rating at B3, but decided to change the outlook from stable to positive, arguing that the government's liquidity risks have been substantially reduced.
The affirmation of El Salvador's B3 sovereign ratings reflects high public debt ratios and a growing interest burden, the rating agency said.
An apartment tower in Honduras, the construction of a road in Guatemala and a multipurpose tower in Panama are part of the investments announced in the region for the coming months.
The interactive system "Construction in Central America", of the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, includes an updated list of public and private construction projects to be developed in the coming months.
The National Stock Exchange received a request for authorization of a new stock exchange post, which would be called Iberoamérica Capital, Puesto de Bolsa.
In a press release on 6 March, the National Stock Exchange explained that in the coming "... 10 working days, counting from the working day following this statement, any observation on the managers, shareholders, administrators or legal representatives that could evidence the non-fulfillment of the requirements of honorability established by the regulations can be received."
During 2020, Holcim announced that it will invest $7.5 million in the construction of six concrete production plants and the purchase of machinery.
The new concrete plants that the company is already building will be in Santa Ana, Acajutla, Apopa, Ilopango, La Paz and La Unión. These will be in addition to the 12 that Holcim already operates in the country.
Treasury authorities announced that plans for this year are to negotiate with the Legislative Assembly for approval to issue debt in the international market, and if approved, the issuance would take place in 2021.
Last year the executive branch's plans were to issue $6 billion in Eurobonds, but the Legislative Assembly approved the issuance of only $1.5 billion, arguing that the amount proposed at the beginning was too high.
In January 2020, investment in new construction, additions and repairs amounted to $109 million, 53% more than reported in the same period last year.
This increase occurs in an unfavorable context, since last year the construction activity in the country continued to decline for the second consecutive period, since between 2018 and 2019 the total investment fell 14%, a rate lower than that reported between 2017 and 2018, of -39%.
The Central Bank announced that for the first half of 2020 it expects to issue $438 million in the primary market, as Stabilization Bonds.
From the BCCR statement:
San José, February 27, 2020. Consistent with monetary policy goals, the Central Bank of Costa Rica expects to carry out an issuance of Monetary Stabilization Bonds (BEM), in the primary market, for ₡250.000 million.
The business group Excel Automotriz opened a new service center of 7,600 square meters, which is located in zone 10 of the country's capital.
Company representatives reported that the facility has exhibition space, offices, workshop, sales area for new vehicles and spare parts, and a parking lot with capacity for more than 30 cars.
Almost a year after starting operations in Costa Rica with its first building, the American WeWork, dedicated to the rental of shared work spaces, announced that it plans to invest in two more properties in the next two years.