Page 175 - Caribbean-Central America Profile 2018

GUATEMALA

CARIBBEAN-CENTRAL AMERICA PROFILE 2018

Official Name: Republic of Guatemala
Capital: Guatemala City
Nationality: Guatemalan(s)
Official Language: Spanish
Population Total (millions): 16.58 (2016 est.)
Size: 42,042 square miles
GUATEMALA
Currency: Quetzal (GTQ), U.S. dollar (USD)
Internet Domain : .gt
International Dialling Code: +502
Electricity: 110 volts/60 cycles

COUNTRY OVERVIEW: INVESTMENT INCENTIVES
q Guatemala is one of the most beautiful The Government of Guatemala encourages Foreign Investment by offering various
countries in Central America. incentives. These include exemption of duties and value-added taxes on imports of
q Guatemala’s neighbours are Mexico on the machinery and a one-year suspension of duties and value-added taxes, which can be
north and west, and Belize, Honduras, and El extended to a second year, on each import of production inputs and packing material.
Salvador on the east.
q It is mountainous, heavily forested and dotted Taxes are then waived when the goods are re-exported. Investors in this sector are also
with Mayan ruins, lakes, volcanoes, orchids granted a 10-year income tax exemption, and are also exempt from the Temporary and
and exotic birds Extraordinary Tax to Support the Peace Agreements (IETAP). Many U.S. and other
q Guatemala consists of three main regions: the foreign firms have active investments in Guatemala.
cool highlands with the heaviest population,
the tropical area along the Pacific and The Foreign Investment Law guarantees equal treatment for national and foreign
Caribbean coasts, and the tropical jungle in investors, provides safeguards against double taxation, and assures unrestricted
the northern lowlands (known as the Petén). participation to foreign investors in any legitimate activity in most sectors of the
q The capital is Guatemala City. Guatemalan economy.

Guatemala is the economic hub of Central America. Opportunities for investments exist in:
Its location is its greatest natural attraction and • Agro industry
competitive advantage for foreign investment. Its • Manufacturing
geographical proximity to México and Central • Tourism
America makes Guatemala a commerce bridge for
a market of over 68 million people, on a production • Call Centres
area of more than US $319,000 million. • Energy Sector
• Mining Sector
Given its proximity to the United States and
access to both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, • Oil and Gas
multinational corporations from Guatemala
utilize these significant advantages to participate INVEST IN GUATEMALA
in the major world markets. Guatemala has a Invest in Guatemala is the Investment Promotion Agency of Guatemala, providing
solid infrastructure and increasing technological direct support for foreign investors seeking to invest in the country. Expert advisors on
avidity, positioning itself as the metropolis of the potential investment sectors offer information and assessment, providing personalized
region. and professional assistance, including coordination of country visits, contacts and
referrals, providing support for start-up businesses, and operational and practical
The country’s main economic sectors are assistance during and after establishing operations in the country.
manufacture, services and commerce, representing
46% of the GDP. The agriculture represents 14%, Invest in Guatemala
transport and communication 11% and housing 10 Calle 3-17 Zona 10
10%, adding the exchange rate stability: for over General Insurance Building Level 4
a decade the exchange rate between the national Guatemala City,
currency and the American dollar remains very Guatemala
stable. Tel: (502) 2421-2490
Fax: (502) 2421-2460
Email: info@investinguatemala.org

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