This week CoST participated in the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Asunción, Paraguay. The Meetings convene senior economic policymakers, development institutions and key stakeholders from across Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss the region’s main economic and development priorities. They focus on advancing solutions to pressing challenges — from growth and resilience to regional integration and sustainable investment — through high-level dialogue and cooperation. 

CoST’s presence reflects a long-standing strategic partnership with the IDB, formalised through a Framework Agreement renewed through April 2027 to advance transparency in major infrastructure investments across the region. 

Through this partnership, CoST plays a hands-on role in strengthening accountability on high-value projects. In Quito, Ecuador, it reviewed transparency arrangements during the renegotiation of the Metro contract, identifying practical steps to improve public oversight. In Bogotá, Colombia, CoST is currently serving as an Independent Probity Auditor for the prequalification phase of Metro Line 2, monitoring how authorities interact with potential bidders. By ensuring these processes are fair, transparent, and competitive, CoST helps reduce risks, build market confidence and protect public resources — all essential for delivering infrastructure that works for citizens. 

Discussions throughout the week address issues shaping the region’s future, including resilience, connectivity, investment and sustainable growth. CoST’s participation underscores years of productive cooperation with the IDB and a shared commitment to strengthening infrastructure governance across Latin America and the Caribbean. As countries seek to mobilise largescale investment while maintaining public trust, transparency and accountability remain critical to delivering infrastructure that is effective, inclusive and sustainable.