EscucharTEGUCIGALPA - Gold worth some $5 billion lies in the Honduran subsoil, asserted one of the country's leading businessmen, Miguel Facussé.
In spite of this, he added, Honduras remains one of the poorest countries in Latin America. ``This is so because the natural resources of the country are not properly exploited.
``We are a very rich country, but gold mines remain `untouchable', the same that happens with many other resources.''
The 23 mining companies operating in the nation last year exported zinc for $25.7 million, $4.7 million of silver, and $2.7 million of lead, according to the Central Bank.
The director of Mines, Miguel Villela, estimates that in two years the country will earn some $200 million from exports of minerals, as a result of an investment boom in the sector.
The official explained that from eight companies dedicated to mining in 1993, their ranks have increased to 23 in 1997.
According to human development indicators, Honduras, Bolivia, Haiti and Nicaragua are the poorest nations on this continent. Honduran per capita income is $714 a year.
However, Facussé reiterated that poverty in Honduras is the result of not taking advantage of the country's resources.
As an example, he mentioned that the lumber industry should generate $500 million a year, but ``the nation is barely exporting $60 million.''
The businessman examined other areas and pointed out that Costa Rica gets $700 million a year from tourism, while Honduras only receives $100 million. ``Our income from tourism should be 20 to 50 times that,'' he asserted.
As compared to Costa Rica, Honduras has a much larger territory and more large natural reserves, archaeological treasures such as Maya ruins, forests, and beaches, the businessman added.
Facussé, who has investment in the soap, oil, and vegetable juice industries, added that because of its large territory, Honduras should not only be self-sufficient regarding food, ``it should also supply the regional markets.''
