A. M. Central American countries have shown significant progress in the Milken Institute’s Global Opportunity Index (GOI) 2025, reflecting increased attractiveness for foreign direct investment (FDI). Latin America and the Caribbean captured 48.9% of investments directed to emerging and developing economies, surpassing even Asia.
The report highlights that the value of projects announced in the region grew by 16%, driven by investments in renewable energies, metals and minerals, and the automotive sector. This growth confirms that Latin America will continue to be a key destination for foreign capital.
In the case of Central America, El Salvador is the country with the greatest progress, moving up 14 places in the index, from 100th place in 2020 to 86th place in 2025. Costa Rica remains the most attractive in the region, currently ranked 47th, an improvement from 55th five years ago.
Panama recorded a slight decline, moving from 70th place in 2020 to 71st place in 2025. Meanwhile, Honduras has improved 12 positions, although it still occupies the last place in Central America (97th) in the ranking.
Guatemala has also shown progress, rising nine positions to 81st place, while Nicaragua had the smallest improvement in the isthmus, climbing only three places (from 95th to 92nd) in the last five years.
The report highlights that the region performed well in three of the five dimensions of the index, especially in the future growth environment, which measures the ability of countries to sustain resilient growth. In addition, the region’s expanding and highly skilled workforce remains a key factor in Latin America’s attractiveness to investors.
You may also be interested in
