Microsoft, Mastercard Sign on to VP Harris' Central America Strategy
Voice of America
Twelve companies and groups including Microsoft, Mastercard and Nestle's Nespresso said Thursday that they would commit to making investments in Central America, a win for Vice President Kamala Harris as she aims to lower migration from the region into the United States.
President Joe Biden has tasked Harris with leading U.S. efforts with Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. Since then, Harris has taken a series of steps aimed at improving conditions and lowering migration from the region. Harris, who met with officials from these companies and groups Thursday, said economic opportunities in the region could be boosted via partnerships with the private sector. "In order for us as an administration, the United States government, to maximize the potential of our work, it has to be through collaboration, through public-private partnerships," Harris told reporters at the start of the meeting.This handout picture released by the Canoas City Hall shows people helping to rescue flood victims in Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil on May 4, 2024. Beira Rio stadium is flooded after heavy rain in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, May 7, 2024. A man rows a makeshift boat through an inundated street flooded by heavy rains, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, May 7, 2024. Evacuees ride in a loader after their homes were flooded at Eldorado do Sul, in Rio Grande do Sul Brazil May 7, 2024.