From a statement issued by the Ministry of Trade:

Guatemala, January 22, 2016. The Congress of Guatemala yesterday approved a Protocol Enabling the Deep Integration towards the free movement of people and goods between the Republics of Guatemala and Honduras.

The Minister of Economy, Ruben Morales, said "it is a historic decision that will allow us to achieve the first customs union in the Americas. In addition, it is a first step towards the Central American customs union, a cornerstone for the development of the region. "

The Central American customs union is a process that began more than 60 years ago. Guatemala and Honduras have proposed advancing more quickly and began a bilateral process in December 2014.

Read full report.

More on this topic

How Antitrust Law in Costa Rica Works

July 2013

Four months ago mergers and acquisitions in Costa Rica were conducted without any governmental control.

Now, operations of this type over $15 million must be authorized by the Commission to Promote Competition (COPROCOM) in the first four months of rule of law, four mergers or acquisitions of companies have been authorized

Possible Reform of Consumer Protection Act

March 2013

A new bill in Panama provides guarantees in real estate development and makes tips voluntary, among other topics.

From a statement by the Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition (ACODECO):

ACODECO presented to the press a proposal which contemplates reforming Law 45 on Consumer Protection.

New Law on Competition in Costa Rica

September 2012

The Law on Promotion of Competition and Effective Consumer Protection recently approved typifies monopolistic practices and changes the rules on economic groups.

Two of the most important changes are expanding the scope of the law, which now includes public service employees in cases of concessions and the introduction of a new absolute monopolistic practice: the agreement between competitors to 'refuse to buy or sell goods or services'.

Competition Law in Guatemala

October 2010

"The monopoly itself is not the problem, the problem is the abuse that is committed" Erick Coyoy, Minister of Economy.

The main priorities set by the Minister of Economy revolve around the obligations of the country and the region, the agreements reached with the European Union, which refer to integration of the isthmus and in particular customs and promoting market competition.