Forum 1 – Beyond Tourism: Central America and the Caribbean as a Strategic Hub for Industry, Logistics and Innovation

While Central America and the Caribbean are widely known for their tourism industries, agricultural exports, and natural beauty, the region is increasingly emerging as an attractive destination for business, investment, and industrial development. Benefiting from strategic proximity to the United States, extensive networks of free trade agreements, competitive operating costs, and growing integration into global value chains, the region is gaining attention as companies seek to diversify production, strengthen supply chains, and capitalize on nearshoring opportunities.

From Costa Rica's recognized medical device industry and life sciences sector to Guatemala's growing role in energy generation and industrial production, Central America and the Caribbean are increasingly positioning themselves in high-value industries. El Salvador is advancing industrial development through specialized manufacturing clusters and export-oriented sectors, while Panama continues to capitalize on the Panama Canal and its world-class logistics infrastructure, serving as a key gateway for trade across the Americas. Complementing these strengths, the Dominican Republic has established itself as a dynamic manufacturing and nearshoring hub, supported by a robust free trade zone regime and growing participation in export-oriented industries.

With a market of more than 50 million consumers, a young workforce, competitive operating costs, and continued investment in infrastructure and connectivity, Central America offers promising opportunities for companies seeking diversification, resilient supply chains, and closer access to North and Latin American markets. While each country presents its own strengths and business environment, together they form a dynamic and complementary region with growing relevance for international trade and investment.

The discussion will explore how Central America and the Caribbean are evolving beyond their traditional image as tourism destinations and why they deserve greater attention from German and European businesses as strategic partners for investment, industrial cooperation, supply chain development, logistics, and long-term economic growth.

• Enrique Zamora, Director Corporativo, Grupo LAFISE Bank

• Nuno Nunes, Associate Partner and VP Americas, HPC Hamburg Port Consulting