Punctual delivery, proximity to the largest global markets, industrial clusters, and abundant and efficient human capital, are features of the Guatemalan industry, which position the country as the most attractive production center for investment in Meso-America.

The manufacture and assembly sector in Guatemala used to be integrated by industries involved in clothing and textiles.  Presently, the objective is to position Guatemala as an investment destination that may be attractive to strategic sub-sectors such as electronics, auto parts and medical supplies.
The main commercial partners for Guatemala are:  Central America, the United States, the Caribbean, South America and the European Union.

The manufacture sector represented 30% of the total exports of Guatemala during 2007, which amounted to US$2,000 million.  This shows the dynamic performance and growth of this sector in Guatemala.

Elements such as adding value to the products, the opening of new markets such as the United States and Central America, the on going negotiations of free trade agreements with the European Union and those already signed with Panama, Colombia and Chile, as well as the improvement of productivity and market intelligence represent investment and trade opportunities for new investors who want to utilize the advantages offered by Guatemala as an export platform and a logistics center for the world.

Guatemala is the perfect platform to supply directly to the biggest market in the world.  As shown in the graphic, Guatemala's privileged and unique location facilitates business opportunities with USA suppliers.  The Mexican market itself is very interesting also and is ranket No. 14 worldwide.

Advantages from investing in Manufacture

Guatemala offers high profitability in the manufacturing/assembly sector thanks to its mixture of favorable conditions, such as: human resources with high learning and skills curves; the cost-efficiency of human resources; strategic location, and low operation costs. Guatemalan human resources show a high level of commitment to training and performing their job with knowledge and efficiency.

Guatemala is the largest economy in Central America and represents 39% of the regional GDP.  The metropolitan area has 4 million inhabitants which represents an  attractive sample for market surveys for new products.

The sub-sector of assembly of electronics, automotive parts and medical supplies has chosen our country to invest after evaluating the opportunities that the country offers to the manufacture sector.

Labor Force Availability

Guatemala’s human resources are recognized worldwide for their skills and productivity. The table below shows the Economically Active Population

Nearly half of the skilled labor registered in the country’s social security records, works at maquilas and is devoted to activities such as: assembly, packaging, and countless activities of an automatic and semiautomatic nature, generating broad knowledge and ability in the industrial employment sector.

The broad experience that has been accumulated as a result of the success of assembly and maquila companies in Guatemala provides the ability to assembly other products and services such as:

• Auto parts
• Machinery and Equipment
• Electronic equipment
• Electrical appliances (Refrigerators, stoves, etc.)

"… the Guatemalan workforce has natural abilities that easily enable quick training in assembly tasks...
Jacobo Tefel, CEO FOGEL Group

Sea Transportation Costos

Destination / ($USD)	Guatemala	Salvador	Honduras	Nicaragua	Costa Rica	México
Sea Transportation 40 HQ  Container
Dry Container/ door to port
From each country to Miami	1,450	1,650	950	1,750	1,350	n/d
From each country to New Orleans	1,650	1,850	1,150	1,950	1,850	n/d
From each country to Houston	1,650	1,850	1,150	1,950	1,850	n/d

Source: SeaBoard Marine 2007: These rates apply for an specific contract, otherwise regular fares apply which are higher prices.

Air Transportation

Add 13% for fuel charge

Source: DHL, IIG-IM

Invest In Guatemala is the agency that will assist you with the start up of your company in Guatemala.

INVEST IN GUATEMALA!!!!
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