Ecuador Roundup: New investment treaty, VP expansion, transnational crime summit

Ecuador signs investment treaty with UAE to attract strategic capital

On 6 December 2025, the government of Daniel Noboa formalised a new International Treaty for the Promotion and Protection of Investments with the United Arab Emirates, aiming to open the door to foreign capital and strengthen economic ties. The agreement promises to channel resources into strategic sectors in Ecuador infrastructure, renewable energy, agroindustry, logistics, digital economy, tourism and responsible mining. The government frames this as a clear signal that Ecuador is ready to become a stable, competitive partner for long-term investment. Alongside the treaty, memorandums on anti-corruption cooperation and a technology innovation corridor were signed, indicating a broader push towards economic modernisation.

Vice-Presidency expanded, now also takes on Ministry of Health amid crisis

The office of the Vice-President, currently led by María José Pinto, has undergone a significant restructuring: staff numbers have nearly doubled, new functions have been added, and – in a surprising move – the Vice-Presidency now also oversees the Ministry of Health. This reflects the government’s decision to entrust Pinto with leading health policy amid one of the worse hospital crises in recent memory — hospitals suffering supply shortages, unpaid private providers and scarce medicines. The expanded remit also incorporates social-policy areas such as childhood development, mental health, education and adolescent pregnancy prevention. he change signals an attempt to centralise and strengthen health and social governance under a consolidated institutional roof.

President Noboa set to host binational summit with Peru focusing on transnational crime

Ecuador will host the next edition of the binational summit with Peru on 12 December 2025, with Daniel Noboa as host. The main agenda point will be the joint fight against transnational organised crime, including narcotics trafficking, human smuggling and cross-border criminal networks. The summit reflects a renewed commitment from both countries to collaborate on security, border controls, environmental protection, cross-border water-management and shared infrastructure projects. A new Presidential Declaration and Action Plan — the “Quito 2025 Plan” — will be signed to formalise the cooperation for 2025–2026. The summit underscores how the transnational crime challenge remains a high priority for the Ecuadorian government.

Artificial Intelligence to become mandatory in national school curriculum under new education reform

A legislative proposal presented on 5 December 2025 aims to include Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a compulsory component in Ecuador’s national curriculum, covering from initial education to high school. The plan seeks to equip future generations with digital and technological skills deemed essential for the rapidly changing economic and social landscape. The measure reflects the government’s ambition to integrate innovation and modern educational standards, preparing students for jobs in technology-driven sectors. If approved, Ecuador would position itself among the few countries in Latin America to institutionalise AI education at all school levels.

Insulin shortage deepens nationwide health crisis, threatening diabetic patients

Ecuador faces a critical shortage of insulin and other essential medicines, a situation that has severely affected diabetic patients across the country. Leading voices such as Aquiles Álvarez have accused authorities of blocking insulin supplies at a standard price (USD 5.28), while official procurement processes were paused or delayed. The situation highlights long-standing structural problems in the national health supply chain, especially concerning access to vital medicines. For thousands of Ecuadorians dependent on insulin, the shortage is a matter of life and death, exacerbating existing inequalities in health access.