Guatemala As Seen from the USA

Amcham claims that the political crisis drove away investors who are now considering returning, "convinced that the message of the intention to strengthen the State is true."

Friday, September 11, 2015

Juan Pablo Carrasco, vice president of the Guatemalan Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), told Elperiodico.com.gt that "... An example of (better perceptions) is that on 23 September, a trade mission composed of 12 US franchises come to the country with the idea of ​​settling there, which is a message of confidence to Guatemala and its market. "

The perception of US investors is changing, as can be seen by the speed with which a new president has been appointed and changes made in the cabinet, in an attempt to send a signal of stability and institutional strengthening.

Carrasco said that "... 'During these months there was great uncertainty on the part of US companies, but now they are increasingly convinced that the message of strengthening of the state and institutions, which we are constantly repeating, is true.' "

Andrés Cordón, deputy of regional business at Promérica Bank, commented that "... Political uncertainty and violence are two factors that lower competitiveness and make logistics, such as transportation more costly. However people 'believe in Guatemala and continue to believe in their businesses, continuing to invest and we keep attending to the same requests'. "

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