Finding the balance in our trade relations

I spent last week in Honduras mostly talking with companies, industry organisations, international financial institutions and government officials about the UK’s economic and commercial relationship.

San Pedro Sula in particular is a real hub for employment and wealth generation in the country contributing to over 60% of GDP. There and in Tegucigalpa British companies and others told me that Honduras is an amazing place with real business opportunities but it is a very different environment from working in the UK. Challenges include everything from understanding local laws and practices to managing risks from security and violence.

I received the consistent message that whoever wins the general election next year, the business community hopes for clarity and transparency in investment decisions and opportunities. I hope that will be the case, as British companies can be a real force for good, positively influencing local practices on ethical business practices. As an Embassy we also plan to work with Honduran partners in supporting young entrepreneurs and sharing British experiences via business networking events.  If you are a young enterpreneur or a British-linked business in Honduras and are interested to know more, do get in touch!

But our relationship with Honduras is not just about trade. Before I arrived two human rights defenders were killed. We trust that the Honduran authorities will take the necessary steps to safeguard the integrity of Human Rights Defenders at risk. But until the deaths stop we will keep raising these issues.