As Guatemala continues to increase the export of manufactured products, more industries are settling in the country to take advantage of the competitive edge that Guatemala has to offer. This edge includes:
LOCATION AND MARKET
Next door neighbor to the huge market that will be created under the North American Free Trade Agreement: Mexico, United States, Canada (with 360 million consumers), and member of the Central American market (with 30 million consumers). This geographic proximity substantially lowers time and costs of communications and transportation and makes a "quick response " framework possible.
ETERNAL SPRING
Great variety of micro climates (over 300) and volcanic soil, allowing for year-round cultivation of a wide range of products, making agricultural production especially competitive in the winter markets of Europe and the United States.
INCENTIVE PROGRAMS FOR INVESTMENT AND EXPORT
with no limitations on foreign investment, foreign ownership by individuals or corporations, or restrictions on repatriation of capital.
DIVERSIFIED TOURISM
Just 1 1/2 hours from Miami and Mexico City, Guatemala is a paradise for diversified tourism. Points of interest include: the Mundo Maya (Maya World), ecological tourism, colonial monuments, and Caribbean and Pacific Coast beaches.
MODERN AND INTERNATIONAL
Extensive air and sea routes, satellite and cellular telephone networks, a sophisticated financial sector with foreign representations, a strong and organized private sector, and active promotion abroad of commercial activity.
ECONOMIC GROWTH
In 1992, sustained growth in the Gross Domestic Product of 4.8%, surpassing the rate of population growth for the sixth consecutive year. The country's vitality is evident in the great surge in the industries of construction, drawback, export of non-traditional products and tourism. In Guatemala the economy is dominated by the private sector, the government accounts for only 10% of the GNP.
INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND GUARANTEES
Free market economic policies that promote and guarantee foreign investment through fiscal incentives, international agreements and bilateral treaties.
STREAMLINED SERVICES
Establishment of the "One-Stop Windows" for investment and exports, which greatly reduce the paperwork and speed up processing time for the establishment of companies and the issuance of export licenses.
COMPETITIVE LABOR FORCE
Large and skilled labor pool, with great artisan ability. Very competitive salary levels. Executive personnel trained in local and foreign universities.
INVESTMENT POTENTIAL
Variety of opportunities for investment in de-monopolization and privatization of state enterprises, in industry, and in diversified tourism.
ACCESS TO PORTS
On both caribbean and Pacific Coasts through trans-country highway and rail systems.
FREE MARKET POLICIES
The government is committed to lower tariffs and to eliminate the non-tariff trade barriers.
LABOR FORCE
An abundant, young and stable labor force with wage rates that compete very favorably with Mexico and other countries of the region.
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
A stable and sophisticated business environment with low inflation, low taxes, a stable currency, and a low incidence of litigation.
SOUND AND STRICT FISCAL MANAGEMENT
keeps the exchange rate stable, inflation low, and government credit lines open from international financial institutions.
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Elevando a Guatemala más que el cóndor y el águila real...
