As part of Harris' visit to Guatemala, Agexport prepared a document with proposals that reflect the experience it has accumulated over many years, incorporating Guatemalans and small rural businesses into export chains, generating income that allows them to remain in their territories.

In its document, the exporters' association lists some successful actions that have led to the growth of export companies throughout the country, which have provided employment through foreign trade.

Other representatives of the Guatemalan business sector have expressed their opinion individually after Harris' visit, agreeing that work must be done to improve the climate of confidence so that investors take the country into account.

Fernando Lopez Fernandez, president of the Private Competitiveness Council (CPC) of the Foundation for Development (Fundesa), told Prensalibre.com that work must be done to "... generate an enabling environment in terms of the rule of law, clear investment rules, infrastructure, training and education."

One of the main causes of illegal migration to the U.S., which was the central theme of Harris' visit, is unemployment and lack of opportunities. To address these causes, the countries of the region must attract investment and create new jobs.

In this regard, Lopez assures that "... Investors risk their money in the hope of obtaining returns, but, what are the guarantees we give as a country to have a better business development environment? That's where clear rules come in, the long-term maintenance and security of that business climate and where we compete with the whole world'."

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Source: prensalibre.com and Asociación Guatemalteca de Exportadores (AGEXPORT)

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