Composed of a group of 15 businesspeople and executives, the aim is to create business links for the development of reciprocal investments and the increase of bilateral trade between both countries in strategic sectors.
Starting this Monday and until September 4, the Santiago Chamber of Commerce (CCS), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, through the Embassy of Guatemala in Chile, the Association of Exporters of Guatemala (AGEXPORT) and ProChile, are jointly carrying out a Business & Commercial Mission to Guatemala.
The mission, made up of a group of 15 businessmen and executives, aims to generate business links for the development of reciprocal investments and the increase of bilateral trade between Chile and Guatemala in strategic sectors. One of the main milestones will be the audience with the President of Guatemala, César Bernardo Arévalo, this Tuesday.
The visit includes an intense work agenda in Guatemala City, participating in a program that includes meetings with public and private sector authorities, meetings with businessmen, as well as first-hand access to information about the ecosystem and business opportunities offered by the country.
María Teresa Vial, president of the CCS, highlighted the reliability of the Central American market and the solid opportunities it offers for business development between both countries.
"Guatemala is a strategic trading partner, with a stable and growing investment environment. This mission is a valuable opportunity for our businesspeople to explore and establish new alliances that will strengthen our bilateral economic relations," said Vial.
It is important to note that this business tour also includes meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Economy of Guatemala and meetings with the Agency for Attracting National and Foreign Investments and the Municipality of Guatemala.
The delegation will also visit the Guatemalan Tourism Institute, the National Palace of Culture, and meet with AGEXPORT and Invest Guatemala. Subsequently, meetings will be held with Guatemalan businessmen organized by ProChile, and the Coordinating Committee of Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial and Financial Associations (CACIF) will be visited.
On the other hand, a Memorandum of Understanding between the CCS and AGEXPORT will be signed at the Foreign Ministry, followed by a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala.
GUATEMALAN MARKET
Among the aspects that make Guatemala a key destination for doing business with Chile, the CCS highlighted its economic stability, which is reflected in having a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 8% in 2021, 4% in 2022 and 3.65% in 2023. These results were possible thanks to agricultural production, manufacturing and services, which gives it a diversified base.
The country also has several free trade agreements (FTAs), including agreements with the United States and the European Union, as well as the FTA with Chile and other Central American countries. These agreements facilitate preferential access to important markets and promote foreign trade.
Guatemala is also in a privileged geographical position, with access to both oceans: the Pacific and the Atlantic. This location allows for easier and cheaper trade for both imports and exports. Ports on both coasts are crucial for international trade.
In addition, the country has an abundance of natural resources, including rich biodiversity and fertile lands, ideal for agriculture. Agricultural products such as coffee, sugar and fruits are important to the Guatemalan economy and are in demand in international markets.
The services sector, including tourism, information technology and banking, has grown considerably in Guatemala. This growth creates opportunities for investments in infrastructure and in improving the quality of life of the population.
