Guatemala has a strategic location to integrate into global value chains, especially in the automotive sector, highlighted Francisco González, president of the National Auto Parts Industry of Mexico, who mentioned that the country can take advantage of the opportunities offered by the nearshoring. González indicated that the automotive sector has grown 44% in four years.
“If infrastructure, logistics and technical capacity are strengthened, Guatemala can become a key regional partner within the auto parts industry,” said González.
This conversation took place during the National Meeting of Entrepreneurs for Development (Enade), held on October 9, 2025 and organized by the Foundation for the Development of Guatemala, in which the panel made up of Nery Ramos, president of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala; Valeria Prado, Vice Minister of Investment and Competition of the Ministry of Economy; Jessica Bedoya, founder of Lara Thon; Carlos Sánchez, general director of New World, and González, commented on the opportunities that the country has to attract investments.
During the panel it was mentioned that Yazaki demonstrates that Guatemala is capable of competing in this sector if there is adequate coordination. Likewise, it was highlighted that the availability of energy and industrial planning are key to strengthening investor confidence.
Attract better and bigger investments
Guatemala has an investment attraction plan, which contemplates, in the short term, the strengthening of industries already established in the country, such as light manufacturing, processed foods, textiles and the beverage industry.
In the medium term, Valeria Prado, vice minister of Investment and Competition of the Ministry of Economy, highlighted that the electronic sectors, service centers and the health area will be prioritized. In the long term, the goal is to attract the high-tech industry, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors.
Prado indicated that the Ministry has promoted an agenda of simplification and digitalization of procedures, in coordination with the public and private sectors. In this framework, the vice minister highlighted that efforts are being made to create a single window for trade and investment that allows processes to be executed in an agile manner and with interoperability.
“We want not only to attract new investment, but also to promote reinvestment and quality formal employment,” highlighted the official, who pointed out that foreign direct investment is expected that could exceed US$1.8 billion this year. The plan is to attract industries with a higher level of sophistication, according to Prado.
Challenges
“We cannot continue attracting only 1.6% compared to the 3% of countries smaller than ours,” argued Nery Ramos, president of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala.
Ramos indicated that foreign direct investment represents an opportunity to strengthen the country’s resources. However, he warned that without legal certainty, political stability and solid institutions, Guatemala will not be able to attract investment.
Carlos Sánchez, general director of New World, pointed out that it is necessary to have institutional coordination, specific incentives and efficient logistics infrastructure, especially in ports.