Correspondent
New Delhi: Seeking to unlock untapped economic potential between India and Central America, diplomats from the region on Tuesday pitched major investment opportunities for Indian businesses across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, tourism, technology and infrastructure at a high-level forum convened by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI).
The Indo–Central America Trade & Investment Conclave, held in New Delhi, brought together senior government officials, ambassadors/ high commissioners and industry stakeholders to explore deeper collaboration in trade, investment, technology partnerships and people-to-people exchanges, with participants stressing that economic engagement between India and the Central American region remains far below its potential.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) at the Ministry of External Affairs, said strengthening institutional frameworks and commercial linkages would be key to accelerating cooperation between India and Central American economies.
Ambassador Francisco Manuel Compres Hernandez of the Dominican Republic described his country as one of the region’s fastest-growing economies, pointing to investment potential in tourism, renewable energy and pharmaceuticals. From El Salvador, Ambassador Guillermo Rubio Funes called for deeper trade cooperation, particularly in energy, technology and pharmaceuticals.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO and Secretary General of PHDCCI, stressed the chamber’s commitment to strengthening India’s trade and investment engagement with Central America and building long-term economic partnerships.
Ambassador Omar Lisandro Castaneda Solares of Guatemala emphasized the nation’s diversified economy, highlighting opportunities in agribusiness, trade and pharmaceuticals.
Representing Jamaica, High Commissioner Jason Keats Hall pointed to promising areas of collaboration including technology—particularly the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) renewable energy and pharmaceuticals, while reaffirming Jamaica’s commitment to stronger economic engagement with India.
Ambassador Alonso Correa Miguel of Panama highlighted opportunities for Indian investors in maritime services, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals and technology, underscoring Panama’s business-friendly investment climate.
Claudia Keller Lapayre, Chargé d’Affaires of Mexico to India, noted that India–Mexico trade, historically driven by oil, is rapidly diversifying, particularly in automotive and pharmaceutical sectors.
Meanwhile, Sunaina P. R. Mohan, Chargé d’Affaires of Suriname to India, said Suriname is keen to diversify its economy through energy and mining, agribusiness, healthcare, IT and infrastructure, and expressed interest in collaborating with India on offshore petrochemical exploration.
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