EU Trade deal with Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama becomes operational

As of 1 August 2013, the EU – on one side - and Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama - on the other - would start applying the trade part of an Association Agreement signed in 2012. The agreement would open up markets and create a stable business and investment relation with our Central American partners.

The aim of this agreement was also to reinforce economic integration and promote sustainable development in the region.

The benefits of the agreement at a macroeconomic level were expected to be considerably more tangible for the Central American countries. This was due to the relative size of the economies involved with Central American GDP representing less than 1% of the European GDP. Central America's economy is expected to grow by over two and a half billion euros annually once the agreement applies to the entire region.

• Primary Source

EU: EEAS: Delegation of the European Union to Nicaragua and to the Central American Integration System (SICA) https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/nicaragua_en

ESO: Background information: Relations between Nicargua and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/relations-between-nicargua-and-the-european-union/

ESO: Background information: Relations between Panama and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/relations-between-panama-and-the-european-union/

ESO: Background information: Relations between Honduras and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/relations-between-honduras-and-the-european-union/

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