On Friday, February 19, 2021, the United States and the Mexican government signed a bilateral agreement to boost economic and social development in Central America, including Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. This agreement is part of the Biden administration`s efforts to address the root causes of migration from these countries to the United States.
The agreement, known as the « Bilateral Cooperation Agreement for the Development of the Central Region of America, » or BECA, aims to promote economic growth, improve security, and address corruption in the region. The agreement includes provisions for increased trade and investment, infrastructure development, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
One of the key components of the BECA agreement is a commitment to improve the rule of law and combat corruption in the region. This is seen as a critical step toward reducing the violence and instability that drive many people to flee their homes and seek asylum in the United States.
The agreement also includes provisions to address climate change and environmental degradation in the region. This is an important issue for Central America, which has been hit hard by extreme weather events, including hurricanes and droughts, in recent years.
In addition to the economic and social development initiatives included in the BECA agreement, the United States has also committed to providing $4 billion in aid to the region over the next four years. This aid will be focused on addressing the root causes of migration, including poverty, violence, and lack of economic opportunity.
Overall, the BECA agreement represents a significant step forward in the Biden administration`s efforts to address the root causes of migration from Central America. While there is still much work to be done, this agreement provides a framework for cooperation and collaboration between the United States and its regional partners to promote economic growth, improve security, and address the underlying issues that drive migration.