Deep integration in the Northern Triangle of Central America is progressing with concrete results. Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador are promoting trade facilitation tools as a Regional Public Good (RPG), with support from the IDB and technical assistance from SIECA, to modernize trade and strengthen economic integration among the three countries.
This effort is based on the shared nature of the countries and the common commitment of the States Parties to advance economic integration as a lever for development. Within this framework, the Regional Public Good makes updated tools available that incorporate Traceability, control and process management capabilities in different areas and levels, seeking to generate replicable experiences in other countries of the region.
Deep Integration and Tangible Results
SIECA confirms that the Deep Integration Process between Guatemala and Honduras, initiated in 2015 and expanded with the accession of El Salvador in 2018, constitutes one of the most advanced integration schemes in Central America. Together, the three countries represent almost half of the region's Gross Domestic Product, cover more than half of the territory, and are home to more than two-thirds of the Central American population.
In 2022, trade between them reached US $ 9.553 million, through the Central American Single Invoice and Declaration (FYDUCA), operated at the integrated border posts of Corinto, Agua Caliente and El Florido, which resulted in more than 76.000 transactions managed through the Community Computing Platform (PIC), administered by SIECA.
Technical cooperation and regional approach
On this basis, and with the aim of addressing in a coordinated manner the common and cross-border challenges facing the region, the technical cooperation that supports these tools is developed within the framework of the IDB initiative. “America at the Center”Within its Productivity and Regional Integration pillar, the project contributes to the harmonization of policies and procedures, the strengthening of institutional capacities, and greater productive integration, with technical and financial support from the IDB.
“This Regional Public Good represents a key milestone in strengthening Deep Integration, by providing countries with common tools that facilitate trade, improve customs interconnectivity and generate concrete benefits for the region,” he emphasized. Mario Salazar, Executive Director of SIECAAlong the same lines, Erick Méndez, Senior Trade and Investment Specialist at the IDBHe noted that these tools allow countries to jointly address cross-border challenges, modernize processes, and harmonize procedures.
According to SIECA, this initiative reaffirms the commitment of the Northern Triangle countries to regional integration, highlighting that customs cooperation and interconnectivity are key instruments for improving access to information, reducing trade barriers, and generating sustainable development. Experience demonstrates that coordinated progress allows for addressing shared challenges, consolidating best practices, and building a replicable integration model, thus strengthening a more competitive and integrated Central America.
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