Minister Cerrato had the opportunity to know the offer of UK companies in education, water management and biotechnology sectors. The companies presented their interest in introducing their products and services in Honduras in order to support the Government’s efforts to increase prosperity and foster development.

The solutions presented included improved management of water resources, such as treatment plants, dams and desalination; education services to increase English language skills –useful in many sectors, including tourism-; and biotechnology solutions to control diseases and pests transmitted by mosquitos and other insects.

Minister Cerrato shared the priority investment sectors for the Honduran government, being these: tourism, infrastructure, clean energy, agro-industry and manufacturing. UK companies’ representatives agreed to share their expertise and contribute to the development of these areas; and expressed their interest on establishing in Honduras, either through a distributor or by opening a local office.

The Head for Central America and Dominican Republic of UK Export Finance (UKEF), Gerson Pérez, also participated in the meeting in order to present the solutions that they can offer to Honduras, public and private sector, to develop projects in infrastructure, energy, and any other sector, that include British content (products and/or services).

The British Ambassador to Honduras, Nick Whittingham, said:

For the UK, it is of vital importance to create spaces like this that allow us to identify concrete opportunities to strengthen trade and economic relations with our partners like Honduras, with whom we have the Association Agreement in force that opens more opportunities to foster trade and promote business possibilities to UK companies looking to expand overseas.

According to UK statistics, total bilateral trade between July 2022 and June 2023 was USD 249 million; an increase of 5.9% compared to the same period the year before. Total UK exports to Honduras amounted USD 29 million; these included electric motors, plastics, specialised and office machinery, and metal manufactures. Total UK imports from Honduras were USD 220 million and included fish and shellfish, coffee, tea, clothing, vegetables, fruit and sugar.