CCAA Central American Energy and Competitiveness Conference to Be Held in Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Washington, D.C.–Caribbean Central American Action (CCAA) will host the Central American Energy and Competitiveness Conference in Tegucigalpa, Honduras on May 24-25, 2007. This event is being funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), with key support from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). Collaborating partners include the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of State.

“With the passage of DR-CAFTA, there has not been a more critical time for formulating and implementing a regional energy policy”, commented CCAA President Manuel Rosales. “The goal now is to act on these opportunities, and reliable and affordable energy is a key component to helping the region become more competitive and successful. Central America is in a unique position to take full advantage of the economic opportunities presented by the DRCAFTA. However, to realize these benefits, the region must meet the common challenges to its energy security, such as improving the energy infrastructure, streamlining regulations to allow for optimal development, and encouraging further regional energy integration.”

The Conference will be attended by Central American and U.S. Government officials, as well as private sector leaders who will discuss strategies for developing the “next steps” to implementing regional power integration, policy harmonization, and improving the investment climate. Conference organizers note that access to reliable and affordable supplies of energy has the potential to support and spur economic growth, but inadequate access to or policies that hinder energy development can derail competitiveness and development.

USTDA has supported the development of a White Paper to be presented at the conference, which will highlight the current regulatory framework within each of the CAFTA-DR countries with a focus on the key challenges the region faces. The goal of the White Paper is to stimulate discussion among the region’s key stakeholders. During the conference, participants will engage in interactive sessions to determine equitable solutions and make recommendations for an Action Plan. The Action Plan will help guide future policy and decision making in order to deliver favorable results to the Central American power sector and the competitiveness of the region.

Other Conference supporters include AmCham Honduras and Pricesmart.

CCAA is a non-governmental organization that promotes private sector-led economic development in the Caribbean Basin. More information on the organization and the Annual Miami Conference can be found by visiting CCAA's website at www.c-caa.org.

# # #

Back to Top