Friday, April 17, 2026

COA Hosts Finance Leaders on the Sidelines of the 2026 World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings

Peru's Central Banker Julio Velarde was honored and officials from Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Uruguay met with COA members.

On the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), held from April 13 to 18, Council of the Americas (COA) hosted Latin American finance ministers and central bank heads at our Washington Office. COA also honored Julio Velarde for his two decades as the head of Peru's Central Bank.

In private meetings with COA members throughout the week, top officials from Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Uruguay offered their perspectives on the financial prospects of their respective countries. The IMF's update to its World Economic Outlook, released on April 14, forecasts 2.3 percent GDP growth for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2026.

"This week's exchanges offer a valuable opportunity for policymakers to share with our members how they are maintaining fiscal and macroeconomic frameworks while advancing policies that support a stable and attractive investment environment," said Kevin Sullivan, vice president of AS/COA and head of COA's Washington Office. "At a time of rapid change and heightened challenges, these direct dialogues between public-and private-sector leaders are more important than ever in building confidence and fostering the conditions needed to drive sustained growth across the region."

Julio Velarde, President of the Central Reserve Bank, Peru

On April 15, COA, alongside Citi, honored Peruvian Central Bank President Julio Velarde for his tenure at the helm of the institution.

"For 20 years, Julio Velarde has been a constant in a world of change, guiding Peru’s economy with a steady hand, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to stability. Over that time, Peru has experienced periods of global volatility, regional uncertainty, and domestic challenges. Through it all, his leadership has helped anchor confidence in the country’s economic future," said Susan Segal, president and CEO of AS/COA at the reception held in Washington.

Julio Velarde speaks at Aprili 15 reception

Velarde. (Photo: Mark Finkenstaedt)

Roberto Lagos Mondragón, Central Bank President, Honduras

Honduras' Central Bank President Roberto Lagos spoke with COA members on April 13 about his country's macroeconomic outlook.

Accompanied by a delegation that included Julieta Suazo Franco, commissioner of the National Banking and Insurance Commission, Lagos detailed the Honduran government's engagement with IMF programs, efforts to stabilize the currency, and strategies to attract foreign direct investment.

Honduran Central Bank President Roberto Lagos at COA's Washington Office, April 2026

Lagos in the center. (Photo: Mark Finkenstaedt)

Gabriel Galípolo, Governor of the Central Bank, Brazil

During a private event on April 14, Central Bank Governor Gabriel Galípolo provided COA members with an overview of how the current geopolitical environment is shaping Brazil’s economic outlook and underscored the country’s unique position as an attractive destination for foreign investment. He also addressed the opportunities and risks associated with the growing role of artificial intelligence within the financial ecosystem, as well as the rapid evolution of Brazil’s payment systems.

Brazil Central Bank Gov. Galipolo at COA Washington, April 2026

(L-R) Sullivan, Galípolo, and Segal.

Daniel Cardoso Leal, Treasury Secretary, Brazil

On April 14, Brazil's Treasury Secretary Daniel Cardoso Leal participated in a private meeting at our Washington Office, providing an overview of the government's current fiscal and monetary measures, as well as its economic achievements.

In this productive exchange with COA members from a variety of sectors, Leal also discussed tax reform, external debt, elections, and the impact of the conflict in Iran on Brazil’s economy, among other topics.

Brazil Treasury Secretary Leal_COA Washington_April 2026

Cardoso Leal. (Photo: Mark Finkenstaedt)

Jonathan Menkos, Public Finance Minister, Guatemala

Guatemalan Minister of Public Finance Jonathan Menkos sat with COA members on April 16 to share his government's roadmap for economic growth.

In the private discussion at our Washington Office, Menkos outlined the Arévalo administration's efforts to build a stable and predictable environment for international cooperation, and its strategies for strengthening fiscal resilience, advancing key infrastructure priorities, and ensuring Guatemala remains a competitive destination for long-term investment in the region.

Guatemala Finance Minister Menkos with Susan Segal at COA Washington Office

(L-R) Sullivan, Menkos, Segal, and Amb. Hugo Beteta. (Photo: Mark Finkenstaedt)

Felipe Chapman, Economy and Finance Minister, Panama

At a private meeting on April 17, COA members had the opportunity to hear from Panama's Economy and Finance Minister Felipe Chapman about his country's work on economic growth, social security reforms, and its economic strategy amid different geopolitical situations. Chapman emphasized that the private sector is crucial to future growth as he concluded the engaging conversation by addressing Panama's path forward.

Panama Finance Minister Chapman Apr 2026

Chapman and Sullivan. (Photo: Mark Finkenstaedt)

Gabriel Oddone, Economy and Finance Minister, Uruguay

On April 17, Uruguay's Economy and Finance Minister Gabriel Oddone led an insightful discussion on his country’s current economic and financial situation, highlighting the country’s macroeconomic stability, strong political system, and governance structure.

Speaking to COA members at the private event held at our Washington Office, Minister Oddone emphasized that Uruguay is a great long-term partner for the private sector, highlighting ports, energy, information technology, AI, and tourism as industries with ample opportunities for private-sector growth. He also addressed the current geopolitical landscape by underlining Uruguay’s economic and commercial relationships with partners like the United States and the European Union.

Uruguay Minister Gabriel Oddone at COA Washington April 2026

Oddone. (Photo: Mark Finkenstaedt)

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