Guatemala asked the WTO to review domestic support measures and alleged export subsidies granted to sugar cane and sugar producers, which are carried out in the Asian country.
Luis Miguel Paiz, manager of Asociación de Azucareros de Guatemala (Asazgua), explained to Prensalibre.com that "... Guatemalan producers are concerned about the impact of Indian subsidies on sugar production, transport, storage and export."
December 31st is the deadline set by the WTO for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama to stop subsidizing exports from free zones.
In her article on Eleconomista.net, María José Saavedra analyzes "... the long road of extensions and extensions" which is coming to an end now with the World Trade Organization (WTO), having set 31st December 2015 as the last date for the elimination of these subsidies.
Accession to the WTO agreement would improve export competitiveness through increased availability of information, simplification of procedures, and greater transparency.
Adherence to the Agreement on Trade Facilitation of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which only nine countries have so far ratified, would improve the conditions for access to the international market, mainly through less paperwork, access to information electronically and more efficiency.
Guatemala and Mexico have triggered a mechanism of "commercial concern" over restrictions on the importation of Hass avocado imposed by Costa Rica.
There will be a period of 60 days for Costa Rica to respond to the concerns presented by the delegations from Mexico and Guatemala in the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures at the World Trade Organization.
Starting April chambers of commerce in the region will be providing free training on phytosanitary controls, management at border posts and customs procedures for exporting firms.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica:
As of April, the Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica will be running a training program on trade facilitation for the public and private sector, within the framework of a cooperation agreement signed between the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Central America (FECAMCO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to implement the USAID Regional Project on Trade and Market Partnerships.
The business sector is demanding that the government take action to minimize the impact of the expiry at the end of the year of tax incentives granted to foreign firms in free zones.
About 1,300 companies enjoy the benefits granted by the World Trade Organization, which expire on December 31 this year. Two companies have already moved their operations to other countries, according to the Ministry of Economy of Guatemala.
Companies which are certified as Authorized Economic Operators will be able to reduce paperwork times and have priority at customs.
In order to access this certification interested companies must be up to date with tax and customs payments, tax requirements, and review legal and administrative processes, industrial safety and human resources. The cost of certification varies according to the processes which need to be improved.
Congress is deadlocked and essential laws to give legal certainty to investments for textile companies, among others, are being delayed.
The bill to attract investment and jobs submitted in January 2013 has not been approved, this prevents laying a foundation for an industry that can not proceed without a regulatory framework.
"One of the goals of this legislative proposal is to fulfill the commitments Guatemala has assumed with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
On 20 and 21 May, representatives from more than 20 countries in America will discuss in El Salvador the features of this tool and its influence on foreign trade.
From a press release issued by the Ministry of Economy in El Salvador:
El Salvador has been selected as the site to host the Third Meeting of Single Foreign Trade Windows, an event that is sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank and will be attended by representatives from 27 countries of Latin.
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