Predictive analytics has transformed the real estate industry due to its powerful ability to deliver fast and accurate actionable insights. This has largely come about through the advent of Big Data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that harness the intrinsic power of real estate data.
Predictive analytics tools take this analysis to the next level to predict future outcomes based on how past and present events occurred. Consumer demographics, housing trends and property price history are some of the areas where predictive analytics represent a huge opportunity for the industry.
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.
Road maintenance for $258 million, construction of an overpass for $58 million and the development of an energy park for $19 million, are some of the investments included in the 2020 National General Budget project.
Regarding the general amount of public investment included in the Fodes de las Alcaldías, the project discussed in the Assembly contemplates that by 2020 it would reach $1.243 million, an amount that would be 23% higher than that approved for 2019.
Panama and Honduras were the only two Central American countries to report increases in foreign direct investment in 2018 over the previous year, with year-on-year changes of 36% and 3%, respectively.
The growth of investments directed to Panama, which concentrated 51% of the sub-regional total, explained the increase that was reached in 2018 in Central America (9.4%), since except Panama and Honduras, the Central American countries received less Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) than in 2017, explains the report "Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2019", produced by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
Because of higher dividend repatriation and lower reinvestment of earnings, Foreign Direct Investment flows reported during the first quarter of the year totaled $177 million, 55% less than in the same period in 2018.
Central Reserve Bank (BCR) figures detail that between January and March 2018, and the same period in 2019, the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was reduced by $224 million, falling from $401 million to $177 million.
The latest risk ratings for the issuance of long-term debt of Central American economies identify Panama as the most attractive country to invest in.
On March 8, Moody's decided to raise its long-term issuer rating in foreign currency from Baa2 to Baa1, arguing that the outlook remains more favorable in the medium term.
The effect of crime and the tax reforms that have been implemented are part of the factors that have caused companies in El Salvador to decide not to make more investments.
The Business Competitiveness Survey, prepared by the Salvadoran Foundation for Economic and Social Development (FUSADES), details that between 2011 and 2017 the number of companies that have no interest in investing in the country registered a 11% increase.
Adverse court decisions against companies, social and political conflicts and fiscal issues are some of the factors that are impeding the development of productive projects in Central American countries.
One of the latest court decisions affecting companies with investments in the region was that of Minera Petaquilla, in Panama. The contract that this company had signed with the Panamanian State was declared unconstitutional last week.
One of the decisions taken by Guatemalan businessmen with interests in Nicaragua is to suspend new investments until the situation in the country is normalized.
Due to the social and political situation that the country has been experiencing for more than three months, Guatemalan investors that operate companies in Nicaragua have been analyzing the situation closely, and are already taking measures to minimize the impact of the crisis on businesses. One of the decisions that some companies have taken is to reduce the cost of the operation to the lowest possible level, in order to maintain or reduce product inventories.
A proposal has been made to create a special economic zone in 26 municipalities in the southeast of the country, which would provide tax incentives for activities related to clean energy and the prospecting of natural gas and oil.
The Executive presented to the Legislative Assembly a preliminary draft of the Law on the Special Economic Zone of the Southeast Region of El Salvador, which has the objective of developing 26 municipalities of Usulután, San Miguel and La Unión.
Businessmen recommend to take more advantage of the characteristics of the economy, such as dollarization, the growing and constant flow of remittances and the strength of the local financial system.
The Salvadoran Foundation for Economic and Social Studies (Fusades) presented a study highlighting the 12 most important factors which El Salvador has that can be leveraged to reactivate investments.
The fund is being managed by Banagrícola, it is open and the minimum investment required is $200.
The goal of the manager of Banagrícola Investment Funds is to reach $30 million in assets during the first year.
Francisco Santa Cruz, general manager of the Banagrícola Investment Fund Manager, explained that "...The minimum investment amount is $200, it is the first open investment fund to be launched in the local market.This means that investors can withdraw their money or a part of it at the time they considers convenient.Nor does it have a defined term for investments, but this is decided by the investor."
Only a few Latin American countries have a mature franchise market, creating an opportunity for other franchisors.
Experts agree on this, believing that Latin America represents a perfect market for expansion. Every year the industry generates about $80 million and consists of more than 5000 brands, reporting growth exceeding 10%.
Through an investigation, the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer) concluded that Guatemala is one of the potential markets for Costa Rican franchises, however, employers should bear in mind certain considerations before deciding where to expand.
NanYang Footwear is to invest $3 million in the country to produce footwear and export it to other markets.
From a press release from the Presidency of El Salvador:
The Taiwanese company engaged in the manufacture of footwear NanYang Footwear, in a clear commitment to El Salvador, started operations in the country by establishing and expand its subsidiary in the country under the name of ADI FOOTWEAR SA de CV, with an initial investment of $1.5 million, plus plans to invest an additional $1.5 million and carry out an expansion which will generate more than 1,000 new jobs over the next year.
It should also hasten to adopt new laws to fight crime and reform the Special Act on Public Private Partnerships.
These were some of the recommendations made by José W. Fernandez, Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business from the U.S.
During his visit to the Central American nation, officials met with entrepreneurs who are part of the National Council for Growth who said he came "to see how we can help ...