The interplay of macro- and microeconomics

First of all, I would like to express my satisfaction at being here in Central America, and to thank our hosts warmly and sincerely for their support. The United Nations in general and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in particular owe a great deal to Costa Rica for its unwavering support over the years, especially since President Jose Figueres Olsen assumed office. Our gratitude is also due to this country for its important contributions to intraregional cooperation and especially to Central American integration. This occasion demonstrates again the unfailingly constructive contribution which President Figueres and his Administration have made to strengthening our relationship of interdependence.