Mi Mundo - Integración Regional

INFRASTRUCTURE

Regional integration: opportunities for Central America and Paraguay

April 24, 2026

Introduction

In my travels and exchanges with political and business colleagues I have observed that the regional integration It is the key to the future of markets such as Central America and Paraguay. With small economies and limited domestic markets, we are stronger when we cooperate. As the president of Panama said: *“Without a doubt, integration is the future. We cannot each remain the owner of our own chapel, because (that way) we will not grow.”* This phrase reflects my conviction that joining efforts – breaking tariff barriers, sharing infrastructure and policies – generates opportunities for everyone.

SICA and the Customs Union

Central America already has bodies such as SICA and the Customs Union to facilitate internal trade, and agreements like CAFTA-DR with the U.S. But there is a need to move beyond basic goods. I am thinking of integrating renewable energies (regional electrical grids), improving logistical corridors (connected roads and ports), and standardizing banking procedures (common financial infrastructure). For example, Panama offers itself as a global logistics center (with its Canal and airports) to open South American markets to the Caribbean and Central America. At the same time, Paraguay seeks to take advantage of that Panamanian platform to export its agricultural products and attract foreign investments.

The recent Panama–Paraguay commitment demonstrates this

By joining Mercosur and using Panama's strategic position, both countries will be able to "access new markets" and establish alliances in sectors such as finance or pharmaceuticals. These types of synergies are concrete examples of dynamic integration: one country provides infrastructure and the other production, everyone wins! In addition, the value chain expands: a regional electronic payment system or investment agreements protect entrepreneurs on both sides.

CEPAL

CEPAL summarizes the potential well: a united region can achieve a *'vigorous, stable, democratic, inclusive, and sustainable'* development. That means growth with social stability. Personally, I invite young entrepreneurs to think big: a common educational system or shared environmental projects (such as cross-border parks) are tangible possibilities. In practice, I have participated in forums where sectors from various countries present integrated projects – such as a bioceanic transport corridor or renewable energy markets – understanding that only in this way do we attract major investors.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, integration is a collective bet. It requires political vision and financial planning, and my role is to advise on how to structure binational or regional projects (for example, shared trusts). Each advance – an improved road, an investment agreement – adds value to the region. As I always say, only by connecting "beyond borders" will we achieve solid growth; only united will we stop being "owners of a separate chapel."

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