The country has a high and growing level of public sector indebtedness (65% of GDP). With gang violence unlikely to improve in the short term, investment will continue to be constrained. The recent fiscal compact by Congress has helped the country avert a default in the short-term; however, liquidity risk remains and domestic arrears have been reported. With an estimated USD 600 million in financing payments due later this year and elections scheduled for May 2018, risks are weighted on the downside. The country ranks 95th in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index due to corruption, excessive bureaucratic red tape, and weak investor protection.