A Conversation on the Future of Central America: The Challenges of Insecurity and Trade, Keynote Address by Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla

Looking toward the future, Central America faces many challenges. Escalating waves of insecurity and a tide of questions regarding the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement continue to grip the region, at times in ways that threaten its long-term viability.

On May 20, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings and the Central American Bank for Economic Integration hosted a discussion on the current and future prospects of Central America, featuring a keynote address by Laura Chinchilla, president of the Republic of Costa Rica. Panelists discussed reducing criminal violence levels in the region, trade and deepening Central America’s economic integration in the world. This is the first in a series of events focusing on the current and future prospects of Central America.

After each panel, participants took audience questions.