Human talent, diverse energy and special economic zones are some of the main reasons why it is worth it invest in Guatemala.
Juan Esteban Sánchez, director of Invest Guatemala, points out that foreign direct investment is the means to transform the country. “We must continue to insist that we have to work together to position Guatemala as a country that takes advantage of opportunities,” said Sánchez.
This was highlighted in a video presented during the National Meeting of Entrepreneurs for Development (Enade), held on October 9, 2025, and organized by the Foundation for the Development of Guatemala.
The 7 reasons to invest
- Favorable macroeconomic environment for investment: The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) exceeds US$280 billion. Likewise, with an accessible market size that multiplies by 120 that of the Guatemalan economy. The country has measured and controlled inflation, a stable exchange rate and growing tax collection.
The country has also improved in the three most recognized risk rating agencies, which means that it is one step away from reaching investment grade. - Workforce: Currently, 11 million Guatemalans make up the workforce, which allows them to take advantage of the demographic bonus.
Regarding educational level, 20% pursue technical training, 17% master’s degrees or doctorates, and 10% engineering degrees. Likewise, at the Technical Institute for Training and Productivity (Intecap), 466 thousand people are trained per year, with specialized mentors and state-of-the-art machinery. - Diversified energy matrix and commitment to sustainability: Guatemala has 3,500 megawatts of installed capacity, and more than 65% of its energy matrix comes from renewable sources.
“We are working to maintain the most competitive rates in the region, for which open bidding processes were launched to expand generation and transmission infrastructure,” it was indicated in the video, according to which the joint investments will exceed US$5 billion. - Logistical heart of America: Guatemala has two international airports, eight airfields and three ports—two on the Atlantic and one on the Pacific. In addition, it has twelve land customs offices that border Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras.
The proximity to the United States allows direct flights of three hours. It is also highlighted that 30% of the population in that country shares the same time zone as Guatemala. - Zones and industrial development: The country has invested in the construction of industrial parks in the central-southern area, to which are added a dozen free zones that function as an export platform with a preferential regime.
The video indicates that the creation of a new investment law is sought, in order to standardize and strengthen incentives to attract foreign capital. “Guatemala’s domestic market is growing with spectacular dynamism, thanks to the system of cities in which 36% of the population and 65% of the GDP are concentrated today.” - Clear and favorable rules for investment: Guatemala is considered the most solid democracy in Central America, which implies clear rules that provide certainty to investors.
In the country, work is being done in a coordinated manner between the public and private sectors to strengthen governance. The video points out that there are instances in which businessmen and officials promote a long-term vision, oriented to development. - Guatemala is a good place to live: “We have a thriving city that is growing by leaps and bounds,” it is stated in the video. This condition makes the metropolis the largest in Central America.
The country offers investors modern housing options and access to top-notch medical services.
Despite these positive points, Juan Esteban Sánchez mentions that it is necessary to improve in aspects such as legal certainty, infrastructure, reliable energy, digital coverage and the expansion of transmission networks.
Sánchez stated that currently all companies installed in the country that seek to grow are served. “Today we are faced with a historic and decisive opportunity: to turn Guatemala into one of the most attractive neighbors for investment in America,” he concluded.