Violence Halts Growth in Latin America; IMF Maintains Moderate Outlook for 2025

Violence and insecurity are consolidating as a critical obstacle to Latin America's economic development, according to the World Bank and experts. The IMF projects regional growth of 2.5% by 2025.

Latin America's socioeconomic landscape faces significant structural challenges, with insecurity being one of the main obstacles to progress.

The Burden of Violence The World Bank warned that violence is hindering the region's growth and worsening its already fragile economic outlook. Experts like Douglas Farah, president of IBI Consultants, believe Latin America is at a "critical moment" due to insecurity.

It is noted that inequality is at the root of the problem and must also be part of the solution. Organized crime negatively affects investment, competitiveness, and the quality of government. Economic and Political Perspectives

* Moderate Growth: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) maintained its growth projection for Latin America at 2.5% for 2025, a figure below the world average.

ECLAC, for its part, concluded that the region completed its second "lost decade" in terms of growth between 2014 and 2023.

The region remains marked by tensions. Ten countries rejected the validation of Nicolás Maduro's victory in Venezuela by that country's Supreme Court. The diplomatic crisis between Mexico and Ecuador persists, generating opposition from several Latin American countries. In Colombia, internal political tensions could influence the central bank's monetary policy decisions.

* Integration and Cooperation: Despite tensions, integration efforts are underway. Cuba participates in the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in Brazil. News by Country

* Cuba: Extended the tariff exemption on food imports for five more months, seeking to alleviate the domestic economic situation. President Díaz-Canel called for a demonstration of unity on May 1.

* Peru: The dollar rose today amid cautious markets. The country bid farewell to writer Mario Vargas Llosa, who died at the age of 89.

* Colombia: Remittances sent to the country grew more than 20% in March. Avianca strengthened connectivity with Argentina.

* Argentina: The S&P Merval stock index fell slightly; consumer confidence declined slightly in April.

The region faces the challenge of overcoming insecurity to unleash its economic potential, amidst a context of moderate growth and a diverse and sometimes fragmented political landscape.

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