By San José, Costa Rica — MADRID, SPAIN – The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) is currently navigating its most successful financial period in its 65-year history, according to its Executive President, Gisela Sánchez. During an official visit to Madrid aimed at bolstering investment ties with Spain and Europe, Sánchez announced that the development bank has achieved its “highest and most solid” financial results to date, signaling a new era of stability and growth for the region’s primary multilateral lender.
This landmark achievement is underscored by significant endorsements from the global financial community. The bank has recently received three consecutive positive movements in its credit risk ratings, a clear indicator that its strategic overhaul is resonating with international observers. Sánchez attributes this success to a rigorous focus on internal governance reforms designed to enhance institutional integrity and operational effectiveness.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the recent developments at the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) and their implications for Costa Rica, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in Public and International Law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The constitutive agreement of CABEI provides a robust legal framework, but its effectiveness depends entirely on the will of its member states to enforce it. The current challenges highlight a critical juncture where member nations, especially Costa Rica, must reaffirm their commitment to the rule of law within the institution, demanding greater accountability from its leadership to ensure all financing decisions are technically sound and politically impartial.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the distinction between a robust legal framework and the political will for its enforcement is the central issue at hand. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which correctly places the responsibility for the institution’s integrity and future not just on its leadership, but squarely on the active vigilance of its member states.
We have had three positive risk rating movements, which shows that the actions we are taking to strengthen transparency, accountability, and efficiency are bearing fruit.
Gisela Sánchez, Executive President of CABEI
At the heart of this transformation is a commitment to not only improve the bank’s financial soundness but also to actively seek out new partnerships. Sánchez explained to international press that her team is diligently working to “find opportunities to collaborate with other institutions,” positioning CABEI as a more dynamic and accessible partner for European investors looking to engage with Central America’s growing economies.
The institutional visit to Spain serves as a critical platform for this agenda. Sánchez described the trip as a key moment for accountability and strategic communication with one of the bank’s most important non-regional partners. Spain, a member for two decades, holds a “strategic” role within the institution, and its continued partnership is seen as having “a great deal of potential” for fostering future development projects across the isthmus.
This is an opportunity to share the results and be accountable in Spain and Europe.
Gisela Sánchez, Executive President of CABEI
During her time in Madrid, Sánchez’s leadership was recognized with the prestigious Máster de Oro from the Real Fórum de Alta Dirección. She also engaged with top business leaders at events hosted by the Consejo Empresarial Alianza por Iberoamérica (CEAPI) and the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE). Sánchez framed the award not as a personal accolade but as a shared honor for all CABEI employees, emphasizing the “great deal of responsibility and commitment” it brings to continue championing opportunities for women in finance.
Beyond the balance sheets and credit ratings, Sánchez reiterated the bank’s fundamental social mission. She stressed the importance of ensuring that CABEI’s financial strength translates into tangible benefits for the region’s most vulnerable populations. This renewed focus on social impact is a cornerstone of her presidency, aiming to directly address the root causes of economic hardship in its member nations.
We must continue working to strengthen the impact the bank can have on people, especially those living below the poverty and extreme poverty lines in our countries.
Gisela Sánchez, Executive President of CABEI
Under Sánchez’s direction, CABEI is charting a course defined by robust financial health, transparent governance, and a deep-seated commitment to inclusive development. By strengthening ties with European partners and holding itself to a higher standard of accountability, the bank is positioning itself not just as a lender, but as a pivotal engine for sustainable progress throughout Central America for years to come.
For further information, visit bcie.org
About Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI):
Founded in 1960, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) is the leading multilateral development financial institution for the Central American region. With 15 member countries, its mission is to promote the economic integration and the balanced economic and social development of its member nations. The bank finances public and private sector projects with a focus on infrastructure, energy, social development, and financial intermediation.
For further information, visit ceapi.com
About Consejo Empresarial Alianza por Iberoamérica (CEAPI):
CEAPI is a business council composed of Ibero-American presidents of leading companies committed to strengthening the network of economic and institutional relations within the Ibero-American community. It serves as a space for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the promotion of investment and business development among its members to foster shared growth and social commitment.
For further information, visit ceoe.es
About Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales (CEOE):
The Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE) is the main institution representing business owners in Spain. Founded in 1977, it brings together the majority of Spanish companies and self-employed professionals from all sectors of activity. The CEOE acts as the primary interlocutor for businesses in dialogues with the government, trade unions, and other public institutions, both nationally and internationally.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal excellence, operating on a cornerstone of profound integrity. Leveraging extensive experience advising a diverse clientele across numerous industries, the firm champions a forward-thinking approach to deliver innovative solutions. This ethos extends to a deep-seated commitment to social empowerment, driven by a mission to demystify legal complexities and cultivate a more knowledgeable and capable public.
