Guatemalan business leaders visit Taiwan

2010-08-03

In recent years, regional economic integration has become a growing trend in the global market, with Central America and the Caribbean countries being considered by both the European Union (EU) and the United States a region with high economic potential. The Central American countries have signed a CAFTA-DR with the U.S. and inked with EU another FTA, which promises to phase out barriers to trade, protect the investors’ rights, and provide incentives such as tax credits. Central America has long been deemed the best gateway to the U.S. and global market.

A major diplomatic ally of Taiwan in Central America, Guatemala is the largest economy in Central America and strategically lies in close proximity to the United States and Mexico. As the bilateral FTA signed between Taiwan and Guatemala took effect on July 1st 2006, Guatemala may serve as the regional operations center--- or a stepping stone--- in the Americas for Taiwan-based companies that wish to tap into Europe and Americas.

The purpose of inviting the delegation of Guatemala-based industrial heavyweights is not only to show the Central American country Taiwan’s economic achievements and strength behind the thriving international trade, but also to offer an opportunity for Taiwan’s government agencies, large enterprises and state-initiated associations to discuss face-to-face the potential bi-lateral cooperation with their Guatemalan counterparts.