The integration of the northern triangle is an issue that has been left behind in recent years. Analysts consulted believe that the current government has the possibility of leading various efforts with neighboring countries for the benefit of the region.
The northern triangle and Central American integration are topics of interest to the United States due to the geographical position of the countries. Experts point out that the issues that should be prioritized in the region are security, trade and migration.
Migration
Regarding the issue, in February Mexico, the United States and Guatemala held a meeting in which the immigration issue was addressed. Additionally, it is expected that in April Guatemala will host a regional meeting to coordinate response actions to migratory flows.
Political scientist Jorge Aguilar Wong indicated that migration is an issue that entails transversal treatment that includes the economy and border security of the countries where joint solutions must be worked on.
“It would be very opportune for Guatemala to take this initiative and look for real solutions to the issue of migrants in collaboration with the countries of the northern triangle, including the United States and Mexico and even Canada,” predicts Aguilar Wong.
Also, former ambassador Luis Fernando Andrade Falla said that migration is also one of the issues of interest in the region that must be addressed from border security and the agricultural treaty.
In his opinion, it is necessary to better coordinate agricultural work between Guatemala and the United States so that there is seasonal and stable fluidity.
“There are many challenges that still need to be developed, but that Guatemala can through evaluating the agricultural treaty, the effects of climate change on agricultural value chains, how we can diversify in light of climate changes,” ventured the former ambassador
He also insisted that it is a good opportunity for the country to lead the efforts, taking advantage of the beginning of a new government. Without em
“So the current situation of a new government does open the possibility of resuming leadership,” he said.
Security
Andrade Falla described that security is of relevance for the region, not only for migration but also for trade. He explained that as a first point before calling meetings between chancellors or ministers to address specific issues, there must be approaches at the political level.
“So, the first thing is to resume a high-level political relationship, the relationship between leaders. That is fundamental, with the mutual interest of relaunching a northern triangle agenda,” he highlighted.
He recalled that in previous years there were efforts to form a Regional Security Secretariat that did not come to fruition, which might be one of the topics to be taken up once more.
“It is an issue that might be dusted off, it is to look for a form or a regional coordination mechanism in terms of security and border control that facilitates transit between Central American countries,” he observed.
For his part, Aguilar Wong indicated that security should focus on gangs and the fight once morest drug trafficking, which are also issues of interest to the United States.
Trade
Regarding trade, Andrade Falla also pointed out that the Customs Union is another agenda that can be taken up once more. He recommended that the countries of the northern triangle can coincide in interest in investments, infrastructure and connectivity.
“But we do have to work to improve the investment climate, to generate employment through the famous nearshoring, that is not easy,” he commented.
In addition, he addressed the need to diversify the products that are traded due to the effects of climate change in the country. For this, it is necessary to strengthen alliances with leading countries in science.
Falla also commented on exploiting free trade agreements and alliances with countries like the United States, especially in agricultural matters to expand the products that are exported and improve the quality of agricultural activities.
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