Honduran president Ricardo Maduro expressed his appreciation for the IDB's support for economic and social development in Central American countries and for hemispheric integration.
Alluding to free trade talks between the United States and Central American countries at a luncheon given in his honor by IDB President Enrique V. Iglesias, Maduro pointed out, "When we act together, we draw much more attention than if we act alone."
The third round of free trade negotiations took place in El Salvador in early April, and the fourth round will occur in Guatemala in May. Iglesias has reiterated the IDB's support for the Central American countries' efforts to bring the talks to fruition.
Maduro emphasized the need for Honduras to achieve sustained economic growth of 6 percent, stating that he would seek renewed support from the IDB to solve pressing social problems currently confronting the country. Since 1961, the IDB has financed 132 projects in Honduras totaling more than $2.3 billion.