Mexico and Guatemala share a long border (over 900 km). Bilateral relations between both countries started in 1848 and they have been strengthened particularly during the last decade. For example, only between 2013 and 2016, more than 40 bilateral agreements were signed.
With regard to economic issues, Mexico and Guatemala have dynamic bi-national relations that cover trade, energy and tourism cooperation, among others. Guatemala is Mexico’s first trading partner in Central America and the 4th most important export destination. For Guatemala, Mexico is the 5th export destination accounting for 4% of total exports. 11.5% of total imports in Guatemala come from Mexico. Imported products are, for instance, medicines, electric energy, electronics, and iron products, among others.
In 1998, Mexico and Guatemala signed a Basic Agreement on Technical and Scientific Cooperation, which includes the following topics: Exchanges of specialists, researchers and university professors; Joint or coordinated implementation of programs, research projects and technological development linking research and industry centers; Exchange of information on scientific and technological research; Organization of seminars, workshops and conferences.
Recently, in June 2017, during the visit of the Mexican president to Guatemala, bi-national efforts were updated, focusing on trade and investment through technical assistance in export promotion models, attraction of investments and exchange of business intelligence methodologies. The government of Mexico also considered that the bi-national relationship is at a decisive moment in order to create a safer, more prosperous and competitive area, through the creation of energy integration, electric interconnection and environmental sanitation projects. The utilization of the productive potential of the South of Mexico, which is closely linked with Guatemala, will stimulate the integration of the region, attracting more investments and facilitating trade in both directions.
In order to promote a stronger economic integration between Mexico and Guatemala, it is important to consider key sectors such as energy and technology. For this reason, the INNOVACT project will focus on value chains of dynamic and high-value-added sectors, linking mainly the South of Mexico with Guatemala, generating a culture of innovation, especially in processes, and providing companies with the necessary skills to adopt technology and knowledge.