A Conversation on the Future of Central America: The Challenges and Opportunities of Infrastructure and Energy
Central America is a region with great economic potential, but to improve productivity levels and achieve successful integration into the global economy, Central American countries must dramatically increase their investment in infrastructure. The isthmus could see further economic gain from investment in the power grid and the development of clean energy.
On December 1, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings and the Central American Bank for Economic Integration hosted a discussion on the opportunities open to Central America and the role of the public and private sector in the development of infrastructure and energy projects. Two panels of experts examined these issues, followed by a keynote address by José W. Fernández, assistant secretary for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.
After each panel, speakers took audience questions.
Agenda
9:00 AM -- Introduction
Kevin Casas-Zamora
Former Brookings Expert
Director, Programa Estado de Derecho, Diálogo Interamericano
Pablo Rodas
Chief Economist
9:15 AM -- Panel 1: Opportunities and Challenges for Infrastructure in Central America
Kevin Casas-Zamora
Former Brookings Expert
Director, Programa Estado de Derecho, Diálogo Interamericano
Hugo Beteta
Sub-regional Director
Karla Hernández
Regional Manager, Central American Electrical Interconnection System
Maria Lorena López
Vice Minister of Public Works and Transportation
10:45 AM -- Panel 2: The Energy Challenge for Central America
Charles K. Ebinger
Former Brookings Expert
Johanna Mendelson Forman
Senior Associate, Americas Program
Pablo Rodas
Chief Economist
Álvaro Umaña
Senior Research Fellow, EfD-Central America Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center
12:15 PM -- Keynote Address
Kevin Casas-Zamora
Former Brookings Expert
Director, Programa Estado de Derecho, Diálogo Interamericano
José W. Fernández
Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP - Former Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs
More Information
To subscribe or manage your subscriptions to our top event topic lists, please visit our event topics page.