On April 25, 2024 CBTS teamed with DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of International Affairs to convene a diverse group of U.S. Government and development oriented organizations. Trade development opportunities in Latin America- specifically the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras- were discussed. Participating organizations included: U.S. State Department- Central America Forward, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Inter-American Development Bank, Partnership for Central America, Mosbacher Institute at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, U.S. Trade and Development Agency, Department of Commerce, and DHS Customs and Border Protection.
Discussions in the Workshop
Given the backdrop of expanded migration pressures along the southern border of the U.S., paired with a strengthened push for nearshoring of supply chains and business, this workshop presented an opportunity for dialogue, ideation, and networking of representatives with expertise and activities in Latin America, specifically Northern Triangle countries. The CAFTA-DR trade agreement was discussed, as were evolving infrastructure and development projects in the region. The U.S. State Department discussed the successes of the Central America Forward program, initiated by the Vice President of the U.S., with implementation by the Partnership for Central America (which was also well represented in the meeting). Representatives from the Commercial Law Development Program of the Department of Commerce shared a wealth of insight regarding alignment of public and private sector motivations that allow for implementation of lasting changes. This group routinely works with the countries in the region, teaming up with the other relevant U.S. Government representatives to employ various programs and council at the country and jurisdiction level.
Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection teamed up with USAID to deliver an Integrated Customs and Border Management Academy, held in Guatemala City for CBP counterparts from the Northern Triangle Countries. A wide swath of activities were presented, from law enforcement and trade facilitation training, to council on policy and regulatory regimes. The IDB presented a look at developments in the Mexican economy, extending to the southern Mexican border, as lessons, examples, and opportunities for wider regional economic development. The lunch keynote was presented by Dr. Florencia Castro-Leal, with insightful commentary on value chains and bancarization in Central America; important developments given continued migration and an extensive remittance system between neighboring countries.
CBTS focuses on Latin American Supply Chains
CBTS took this opportunity with the CBP Office of International Affairs to come to the table to participate and be better informed about developments and activities in the region. For several years, CBTS has integrated and sponsored research and dialogue aimed at building a stronger North America, and has now included Latin America Supply Chains as a topical area of interest in the most recent research RFP released from the Center. The CBTS-CBP Latin America Workshop was well attended and the opportunity for joint discussion was well received by all participants. This workshop and connections stand as another activity through which CBTS is striving to highlight and detail the supply chain and trade related vulnerabilities and opportunities for the North American region in a time of fast-paced business and geopolitical change.