ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on three distinct spheres of geoeconomic advantage related to Central America: East-West transisthmian transportation corridors; tourism based upon rainforest and biodiversity resources; and trade augmented by economic integration and informal markets. Within the geographic space of transisthmian transportation, the Panama Canal is a primary conduit that connects East and West and the Western Hemisphere (North and South). The Panama Canal expansion updates and modernizes this century-old conduit maintaining this Central American transportation advantage. Central America is very open to the global trading environment, actively participating in the global economy and establishing formal ties through economic integration with its primary trading partners. Export specialization in agricultural goods and textiles and clothing is reflected in the region's revealed comparative advantage. Tourism, especially eco-tourism, is a mainstay of Central America. Unique natural assets include rainforests (e.g. jungle, orchids), rainforest wildlife (e.g. birds, jaguars, frogs, sloths), barrier reefs, and abundant rivers and caves.
