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Funes to USA: More support = less migration

Tuesday, September 7, 2010


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The United States will solve the problem of illegal immigration, only when it starts helping Central America get richer, Salvadoran president Mauricio Funes said in a speech this week in Los Angeles.

Funes did not specify the kind of support he expects from Washington, but he is right in saying that poverty is the main reason why residents of the region seek jobs in the US. Budgetary problems would likely limit any official support, which the United States might provide to Central America.
 
On the other hand, the region represents enormous possibilities for US business, in sectors which include agriculture, telecom, tourism, manufacturing and infrastructure development. Low-cost options for promoting increased investment by US companies, could involve strengthening the commercial offices of American embassies in the region, as well as by diverting funds used to fight narco trafficking, to support local law enforcement operations.
 
Violence in several of the region's countries is an important disincentive for many investors. It is also a factor in motivating residents to leave the country.
 
Opportunities
 
  • Agriculture,
  • Telecom
  • Tourism
  • Light manufacturing
  • Infrastructure development