Mei 2008: Nieuwsflits Regio
From Handelswijzer Midden-Amerika van de Koninklijke Nederlandse Ambassade te Costa Rica
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Plan Mexico-regional security cooperation
(Source: New York Times)
The United States first announced the plan in October 2007 as a "regional security cooperation initiative." It's to provide $1.4 billion in aid (over three years) for Mexico and Central America to combat drugs trafficking and linked organized crime . Congress recently approved the budget and for current fiscal year 2008 disburses $ 450 million from which $ 100 million (23%) is earmarked for Central America.
Central-America demands fair EU Treatment
(Source: Prensa Latina)
Central America demands fair treatment from the European Union in negotiations for the association agreements, said Costa Rican Foreign Trade Minister Marco Vinicio Ruiz. “We feel that the European Union is using a double standard for Central America. The level of integration in the region is exemplary”. The minister questioned the requirements demanded by the EU. Central American presidents met with their European counterparts to discuss the issue at Lima, Peru. The EU demanded that the area should negotiate in block.
Microfinance in Central America
(Source: Reuters)
Microfinance loans could provide more than $ 2 billion in credit to the poor in Central America by 2012. Last year up from $ 1 billion in credits have been provided. Because of the increase of credits rates have droped making them more accessible. These services will benefit millions of people in Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. Growth will accelerate as the regulatory environment for these types of loans are simplified to stimulate productive activity among the poorest. Average loans ranged from $748 to $1,337.
Central America: Fertilizer prices threaten agricultural crops
The high cost of fertilizers and other inputs for agricultural production is unaffordable for small-scale and middle-scale Central-American farmers, putting crops in danger. Fertilizer costs increased over six times their normal value. Due to the high prices of fertilizers, seeds and agrochemicals, many acres will not be sowed, dropping production of food in the region.
Extreme poverty; a real threat in Central America
Due to rising food and fuel prices more people are dragged into extreme poverty. The situation in all Central American countries is worrisome. In the past two years the international prices of grain have skyrocketed; yellow corn 140%, rice 257%, soya, 126%, flower 117%, beans 81%. Productions of basic grain in the region have decreased over the past years due to the changing climate, high production costs and lack of government incentives.
