Kamala Harris Taps Microsoft, Mastercard and Other Private Firms to Promote Economic Opportunity in Central America
Vice President Kamala Harris delivers opening remarks during a meeting with top business leaders, including Executive Chairman of Mastercard Ajay Banga (R) on the Northern Triangle in Central America, at the Vice President’s Ceremony Office at Eisenhower Executive Office Building May 27, 2021 in Washington, DC. Alex Wong/Getty Images

Vice President Kamala Harris has teamed up with several companies, including Microsoft and Mastercard, in an effort to lower the migration from Central America into the United States.

Reuters noted that more than 10 companies and groups confirmed Thursday that they would commit to making investments in Central America.

It can be remembered that Kamala Harris earlier engaged in talks with other leaders of the Central American countries in addressing the root causes of migration.

Daily Mail Online reported that the Vice President issued a call for public-private partnerships as part of her strategy for migrants to remain in their homelands in Central America.

Kamala Harris Collaborates With Microsoft and Mastercard to Stop Central American Migration

At least 12 companies met with Harris on Thursday, including Nestle's Nespresso, Microsoft Corporation, and Mastercard. Executives from firms like yogurt maker Chobani, financial firms Bancolombia and Davivienda, and website Duolingo were also among the attendees of the meeting.

Kamala Harris noted that collaboration through public-private partnerships would "maximize the potential" of the federal government's effort in addressing the root causes of migration.

The Vice President said that economic opportunities in Central America could be boosted via partnerships with the private sector.

Daily Mail Online reported that corruption, gang violence, and natural disasters are stopping the private companies from investing in Central America - issues that U.S. officials also saw as the main causes of migration.

Kamala Harris' partnership with the private companies will focus on six areas that will spur regional economic growth. These areas include combatting food shortages through boosting farm productivity, expanding affordable internet access, reinforce regional efforts to fight climate change, and transition to clean energy.

The plan will also expand job training programs as well as improving public health access.

Microsoft, Mastercard, and Other Companies' Scope of Work in the Partnership

The companies that signed in agreement with the Vice President will invest and work on specific areas to help improve economic conditions in Central America and lower migration into the U.S.

Microsoft will work to expand broadband access to three million people in the region by July 2022. On the other hand, Nestle's Nespresso plans to begin availing some of the coffee from El Salvador and Honduras.

A White House official said that Nespresso's regional investment would be $150 million by 2025. Chobani agreed to provide its incubator program for Guatemala's local entrepreneurs.

Mastercard aims to bring five million individuals in the region that currently lacks banking services into the financial system. Mastercard will also give one million micro and small businesses access to electronic banking. Details regarding the pledges of other companies have not been reported.

President Joe Biden has tasked Kamala Harris to address the root causes of migration in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Kamala Harris is expected to visit Guatemala and Mexico on June 7 and 8, her first overseas trip as vice president.

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