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The External Debt Problem in Central America: Honduras, Nicaragua, and the HIPC Initiative

Author

Listed:
  • Esquivel, G.
  • Larraín F.B.
  • Sachs,J.D.

Abstract

This paper reviews the foreign debt burden in Central America with special emphasis on Honduras and Nicaragua, which have a large debt overhang. Several indicators suggest that this foreign debt seriously impedes economic growth in both nations. Honduras and Nicaragua, the poorest countries of Central America, have lagged behind the rest of the region in growth, resulting in an increase in regional income inequality during the 1990s. Analysis suggests that Honduras and Nicaragua require alleviation of their foreign debt as a prerequisite to sustained growth. This paper also evaluates the prospects of these countries to qualify for the new initiative aimed at reducing the debt burden of the highly indebted poor countries (the so-called HIPC Initiative). It concludes that Honduras and Nicaragua have favorable prospects of qualifying for the HIPC Initiative.

Suggested Citation

  • Esquivel, G. & Larraín F.B. & Sachs,J.D., 1998. "The External Debt Problem in Central America: Honduras, Nicaragua, and the HIPC Initiative," Papers 645, Harvard - Institute for International Development.
  • Handle: RePEc:fth:harvid:645
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    Cited by:

    1. Ruth Rios-Morales, 2006. "Structural Weakness in Nicaragua : Hindrances to Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction," The Institute for International Integration Studies Discussion Paper Series iiisdp169, IIIS.
    2. Ruth Rios-Morales, 2006. "Structural Weakness in Nicaragua : Hindrances to Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction," The Institute for International Integration Studies Discussion Paper Series iiisdp146, IIIS.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    FOREIGN DEBT ; ECONOMIC GROWTH;

    JEL classification:

    • H63 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Debt; Debt Management; Sovereign Debt
    • H63 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Debt; Debt Management; Sovereign Debt
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General

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