Guatemala: Differentiated Minimum Wages Needed

The Executive argues that foreign companies planning to invest in the country desist from doing so if they are not provided with tax incentives and the possibility of paying differentiated wages.

Friday, March 13, 2015

The Government is continuing to put pressure on Congress to approve the Investment and Employment Act which has been temporarily suspended due to several actions of unconstitutionality presented before the Court. State representatives say that if the option of differential wage is discontinued permenantly, several foreign companies will desist from making investments in the country.

Sergio de la Torre, Minister of Economy, told Elperiodico.com.gt that "... In order for these companies to invest in Guatemala they need to be granted a number of benefits, including the possibility of paying less than the minimum wage established for the rest of the Republic and tax privileges, through the Investment and Employment Act which is pending approval in Congress. "

"... At least 100 companies interested in investing in the four municipalities classified by the government as economic areas, may leave the country if the Constitutional Court permanently suspends the differentiated salary of $197. "

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