First Central America Association Ministerial Council held in London

By Mayora IP

The inaugural meeting, which took place on 16 and 26 October, saw Central American Foreign Ministers, Trade Ministers and Ambassadors come together to discuss the three pillars of the UK-CAAA Agreement, with sessions focused on Trade. 

Delegates from Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama met with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister, David Rutley, and Department of Business and Trade Minister, Nigel Huddleston.

Discussions covered topics including regional integration, climate, environment, human rights, and migration, and it was agreed that a political dialogue sub-committee within the Agreement would be established to enable further progress to be made.

UK Minister for Trade, Nigel Huddleston, met with trade ministers from the Central American nations to discuss ways of advancing trade between members of the UK-CAAA. He said:

"This event is a perfect opportunity to boost our £2.7 billion trading relationship with this vibrant region by identifying trade priorities and unlocking barriers standing in the way of businesses. I was delighted to meet with trade ministers from across Central America to foster closer trade ties which will fuel economic growth, jobs, and exciting new opportunities for British companies".