FDI Leaps 60% As More Foreigners Invest in Honduras

Foreign direct investment (FDI) jumped an impressive 60% in Honduras in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period for the previous year. The news is a sign of the Central American country’s economic reactivation following the turmoil of the global pandemic, as more foreigners look to invest in Honduras.

According to newly released figures from the Honduran Central Bank (BCH), approximately $477.9 million of foreign capital entered the country between January and June of this year, compared to $289.6 million in the first half of 2020 (all figures in USD), reported EFE.

That represents a 60% increase year-on-year, and if the rate of investment continues over the second half of the year, would see Honduras exceed levels of FDI seen in 2019, before the pandemic struck. 

SEE ALSO: Company Formation in Honduras: a 6-Step Guide

According to the report, the figures were due to “higher local sales and exports of goods and services” feeding into greater reinvestment of profits into local subsidiaries, as well as an uptick in interest seen for foreign capital to invest in Honduras.

The services sector was the primary destination for FDI during the period, with approximately $165 million entering — much of it reportedly going into the finance industry. 

Manufacturing was the second-most popular destination, with $132.1 million entering the country’s growing industrial base. Other major beneficiaries of increased investment in Honduras include the hospitality sector ($99.2 millions) and utilities ($65.5 million).

The United States was the top source of foreign investments in Honduras, with $137.9 million coming in from Canada, Mexico, the United States and other countries. 

South Americas were responsible for approximately $126.6million, while Central American countries accounted for approximately $121.1million. An estimated $88.2million was brought in from Europe.

Honduran market of growing interest to investors

A variety of factors combine to make investing in the Honduran market increasingly attractive to foreigners, and have arguably led to more people choosing to invest in Honduras.

Central America’s second-largest country by both landmass and population has also witnessed the second-highest growth rate in the sub-region over recent years, behind only Panama. According to the World BankThere is also the potential for further acceleration of growth in the near future.

Prior to the pandemic, the country had experienced 25 years of almost unbroken growth in gross domestic product, which hit $25.1 billion in 2019.

The country boasts a young, growing workforce. It is concentrated in major urban centers where the large service sector and growing manufacturing sector are based. Workers are also available at very competitive rates to businesses.

While Honduras is known for high levels of violence and insecurity, significant strides have been made to improve the situation over recent years, with the intentional homicide rate slashed in half between 2013 and 2020.

Another reason to invest in Honduras is its geographic location. The country is a major route for goods travelling overland through Central America isthmus. It is also home to the sub-region’s deepest and largest port, Puerto Cortes, which has regular connections with ports in North America, Europe, and Asia.

There are a number free trade zones in the country that offer investors a range benefits, including free imports of material and equipment and expedited approvals for export and import.

Biz Latin Hub can help you invest in Honduras

At Biz Latin Hub, we provide integrated back-office services to investors and corporations seeking to invest in Honduras, or any of the 16 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean where we have local teams in place. 

Our comprehensive portfolio of corporate support solutions includes company formation, accounting & taxation, legal services, visa processing, and hiring & PEO, meaning we can offer tailored packages of services to suit every need.

Contact us today To discuss how we can help your business,

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