French delegation conducts working tour of CABEI
The visit included meetings with CABEI officials to learn about the Bank’s management model and a tour of a biomass-based energy generation project.
Tegucigalpa, June 28, 2017. - A delegation of representatives from the French Development Agency (AFD) visited the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) to analyze and strengthen cooperation and exchange relations between both entities.
AFD, which is France’s international development agency, provides funding and technical assistance to projects and programs that promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, in particular for vulnerable sectors and environmental preservation. Therefore, AFD plays an essential role in the framework of France’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) as a key player in the country’s foreign policy.
During the visit, CABEI Executive Vice President, Attorney Alejandro Rodríguez Zamora, presented CABEI’s competitive advantages in the region, including objectives shared by both institutions.
The French delegation met with CABEI officials to analyze whether the Bank's strategy, organization, tools and mechanisms on environmental and social risk management, as well as its climate change mitigation strategy are in line with AFD’s scope.
In addition, follow up was given to projects financed under the current EUR150 million credit facility held between both entities, which was signed in the city of Paris on April 10, 2016. The credit line seeks to finance CABEI projects and programs involving climate change mitigation and adaptation components and other activities that contribute to the development of the Central American region.
Noteworthy projects being financed by both entities through this credit line include a project to improve and expand the potable water and sewer system in 19 cities in Nicaragua; a program to renovate three hospitals in Costa Rica; and a biomass plant project in Honduras.
The visit concluded with a tour of the aforementioned biomass generation plant, which is located in the Municipality of Choloma. In addition to the plant and its different components, the delegation toured one of the adjacent farms, where they had the opportunity to learn about cultivation, including such processes as soil preparation, crop care and harvesting.
Multiple similarities were identified between CABEI and AFD environmental and social strategies and mechanisms, which has led to an analysis of CABEI-financed projects that could be eligible for AFD cooperation.
