Guatemala Report 2010

Page 1

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

IMAGE: Cristian Monterroso

Guatemala Golden investment gateway

Blending a wealth of natural and human resources with the region’s best-performing economy, an enviable strategic location at the heart of the Americas, and a business-friendly government, Guatemala is a stable and safe investment destination.

for its determination to improve transparency levels through a crackdown on corruption. In a clear sign of the progress that has been made since President Colom came into office, Guatemala has jumped several places in the Corruption Perceptions Index compiled by global anti-corruption organization Transparency InÁlvaro Colom ternational. President of “There have been dramatic changes in imporGuatemala tant areas such as education and health and my government is committed to fighting poverty – the root of corruption – through long-term socioeconomic development programs,” says President Colom. “We are focused on fiscal reforms and security, and want to develop an economic corridor and achieve rural development. Science, technology and innovation play a crucial role in addressing some of the key challenges facing Central America today – such as climate change, water management and food crisis.” The U.S. and Guatemala have enjoyed strong political and commercial bilateral relations for many years. Trade and investment between the pair is now worth billions of dollars a year, with Guatemala a leading supplier of coffee to Starbucks and the U.S. the main source of foreign travelers for Guatemala’s fast-growing tourism sector. American companies and organizations are also helping develop renewable energies in Guatemala – known as the “Land of Eternal Spring” due to its year-round temperate climate – as part of a drive towards sustainable energy programs in the solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal energy sectors.

As the cradle of the ancient Mayan civilization, the ambitious Central American republic of 13.5 million people is flourishing,with billions of dollars of foreign direct investment (FDI) pouring into its vast agriculture, industrial, manufacturing, services and tourism sectors. With more than 350 microclimates and excellent transport links to the U.S., Europe and Asia that facilitate regional and global free trade agreements, Guatemala’s exports of key commodities, such as coffee, cardamom and sugar are growing steadily. Since taking office in January 2008, President Álvaro Colom has spearheaded a series of ambitious reforms, measures and incentives that have caught the eye of international businesses and fueled impressive socioeconomic development. “Guatemala is a magical country with a very stable economy that has significant potential to accelerate economic growth and alleviate poverty through trade, regional integration and tourism,” says President Colom. “In the midst of the recent global economic crisis, Guatemala was one of the few Latin American nations to record positive GDP growth [up 0.6% A diversified economy year-on-year to U.S.$38.1 billion]. Public debt remains one of According to forecasts from the Central Bank of Guatemala, the lowest in the region and the investment climate remains more than U.S.$1.5 billion of fresh FDI is expected to flow into the country’s diversified economy over the next three years, extremely healthy.” In addition to positive feedback and reviews from leading the majority of which is expected to originate from the U.S. global financial institution like the World Bank and Interna- This would be in line with previous economic trends, as North tional Monetary Fund (IMF), Guatemala has received praise American investment in the republic jumped by nearly a quar-


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.