Course summary: trade and business in Guatemala
The macroeconomic stability of
Guatemala enabled a 0.6% economic growth at the end of
2009, positioning Guatemala as one of the few countries with positive
economic growth
in the global financial crisis. Guatemala has the biggest market in Central America,
with a Gross domestic product (GDP) of 38,139.00 millions USD in 2009, representing
the 33% of the total GDP of Central America.
Such economic growth continues based on a Government policy to
promote development;
an approach that has fostered the simultaneous endeavors of the public and
private sectors, facilitating the economic boom and access to key
Global markets
The geographical location of Guatemala is strategic; Guatemala is an ideal
hub for the biggest regional and international markets. Guatemala has advantaged
market access
to both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, facilitating international trade with Asia, North America
and Europe, through modern seaports.
Example of the course doing business in Guatemala:

Guatemala serves as the axis of Meso-America, a region
with great potential due to 50 urban centers conforming the region, 25 of
which are situated in Central America and with a population of 68 million people and a economy of USD 154 billions.
Guatemala offers an excellent option as a
Foreign direct investment (FDI)
destination. Guatemala is becoming one of the main
emerging markets within the region:
- Guatemala is the biggest economic market in Central America (35% of
total Gross domestic product of Central America)
- Strategic geographic location with access to both oceans: Atlantic and
Pacific.
- Guatemala has several Free trade agreements (United States and the United
Mexican States)
- Legal framework that does not show
favoritism between
Foreign direct investment (FDI) and local
investments with freedom to move the capital and to repatriate dividends.