At a pivotal moment for
Guatemala’s trade liberalization, marked by changes in the global economic
dynamics, the country remains an attractive regional destination for potential
investors. In this context, ZOLIC is promoting an institutional strategy
aimed at strengthening ties with embassies, trade organizations, and
investment promotion agencies, with the goal of positioning the model of
tax and logistical incentives offered by the Public Special Economic Development
Zones (ZDEEP).
The recent visit to the
ZDEEP Michatoya Pacífico by a delegation from the Republic of Korea, led
by Ambassador Deuk Hwan Kim, is part of an initiative aimed at forging
direct ties with key players in the international economy who are interested in
identifying new investment opportunities in the country.
Together with Consul Jea Hyuk Jung and
KOTRA Director Seung Gi Kim, as well as representatives from the
Guatemalan-Korean Chamber of Commerce, the diplomat carried out a series of meetings that
allowed him to present the ZDEEP model and its potential as a regional logistics and
industrial platform.
During the event, the president
of ZOLIC’s Board of Directors, Cristian Mayorga, highlighted the role of these
zones as catalysts for investment, thanks to a framework that combines
tax incentives, logistics connectivity, and operational conditions that
facilitate the establishment and growth of businesses.
As part of the tour,
they were briefed on the progress of projects currently underway in this ZDEEP, such as the
Han Sae complex, which is expected to create 4,500 direct jobs
in its initial phase.
This development comes at
a particularly significant time. In November 2025, Guatemala
formally joined the Free Trade Agreement between South Korea and
Central America, a strategic move that strengthens its position relative to other countries
in the region and expands opportunities for trade and investment.
The agreement will allow a large
portion of Guatemalan products to enter the Korean market under preferential
terms, boosting key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and
textiles.
Currently, trade
between the two countries is already showing strong growth: recently,
Guatemalan exports to South Korea exceeded US$$90 million, and more than
150 South Korean companies operate in the country, according to information shared by the
Guatemalan-South Korean Chamber of Commerce.
During the meeting, the
Korean ambassador invited ZOLIC to participate in an upcoming investment promotion
event to be held in Guatemala.
Beyond a mere
courtesy visit, this meeting reflects Guatemala’s potential to
establish itself as a key player in attracting investment within an
increasingly demanding global environment.