The Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP) has released a serious caution concerning Honduras’s economic path. In their latest announcement, the group criticized the government for worsening investment conditions, stalled economic growth, and increasing unemployment, issues that, they assert, are worsened by a lack of technical and agreed-upon resolutions.
The stance of COHEP arises amidst escalating tensions between the ruling party and the private sector, intensified by initiatives like the Tax Justice Law. The business community argues that instead of addressing the structural challenges of the country, these actions may heighten economic unpredictability and lead to capital flight.
Pending reforms and economic deterioration
The corporate entity challenges the choice of the executive power to continue along a path characterized by ideological conflict, instead of implementing a plan for structural changes that address the nation’s true pressing needs. “The absence of tangible outcomes in the economic arena, combined with a divisive political rhetoric, is undermining trust in the nation’s prospects,” the declaration noted.
COHEP’s criticism echoes previous assessments by independent organizations, such as the ERIC-SJ survey, which revealed strong public discontent over the lack of progress on key issues such as unemployment, security, and access to opportunities. Both reports share a common concern: the perception that the government is losing its economic and democratic direction.
Discussion as a solution to the crisis
Faced with this scenario, COHEP has proposed establishing a pluralistic dialogue table with representatives of the productive sectors, trade unions, and independent experts. The aim, they say, is to draw up a roadmap to restore confidence, ensure legal certainty, and lay the foundations for sustained growth.
COHEP’s statement goes beyond a singular critique, urging a transformation in the approach to the nation’s governance.
“Honduras does not require enemies from within, it requires a vision for the nation,” the statement expressed, emphasizing the pressing need to focus on economic stability rather than ideological conflicts.
As the 2025 elections approach and pressure intensifies from multiple sectors, the government is challenged to react with definitive measures or risk a further decline in credibility.
