From a statement issued by the Government of Guatemala:

In Geneva, Switzerland, the closing ceremony has been held and the presentation of the official protocol for the negotiations incorporating Guatemala into the FTA between EFTA member states and members of Central America (Costa Rica and Panama).

The Deputy Minister of Guatemala, Maria Luisa Flores said, "With this FTA, exports will enjoy preferential access and legal certainty in the EFTA market. This agreement helps to encourage investment and open new avenues for cooperation and development of capacities for increased trade with the aim of creating more formal jobs in Guatemala. "

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Guatemala and the European Free Trade Association

October 2014

Negotiations for the FTA have been concluded with the bloc made up of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, leaving only the respective approvals from governments pending.

During the negotiation issues were discussed related to services and investment, cooperation, sustainable development, intellectual property, sanitary measures, competition policy and government procurement, among others.

Costa Rica and Panama Sign FTA with EFTA

June 2013

The agreement adds a legal framework for business with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, countries which have average per capita GDP of $47,800.

From a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica (COMEX):

This morning the Minister of Foreign Trade, Anabel Gonzalez and her counterparts from Panama, Ricardo Quijano, Norway, Trond Giske, Switzerland, Johann Schneider, Iceland, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson and Liechtenstein, Aurelia Frick signed a Free Trade Agreement negotiated with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), with which it consolidates its business relationship with the European continent.

Guatemala Joins FTA with EFTA countries

August 2012

After consultation with the productive sectors Guatemala's government has decided to join the group of Central American countries negotiating a free trade agreement with Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Guatemala had ruled out the idea of participating in the negotiations for a free trade agreement which Panama, Costa Rica and Honduras began with Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the old continent that are not part of the European Union and that in turn make up the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Central America Negotiates New Trade Deal

February 2012

The region will hold the first round of negotiations with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

The round of negotiations will take place between February 27th and March 1st.

Efta members are Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, all countries outside the European Union.