At a key moment for Guatemala's trade
Guatemala's trade openness, marked by changes in the global economic dynamics, the country remains an attractive regional
the country remains an attractive regional destination for potential investors.
investors. In this context, ZOLIC is promoting an institutional strategy aimed at strengthening
strategy aimed at strengthening ties with embassies, trade organizations, and investment promotion
and investment promotion entities, with the objective of positioning the model of tax and logistic
and logistical incentives offered by the Public Special Economic Development Zones (ZDEEP).
Development Zones (ZDEEP).
The recent visit to the
Michatoya Pacifico ZDEEP by a delegation from the Republic of Korea, led by Ambassador Deuk Hwan Kim, is part of an agenda
by Ambassador Deuk Hwan Kim, is part of an agenda aimed at generating direct links with key
direct links with key players in the international economy interested in identifying new investment opportunities in the country.
in identifying new investment opportunities in the country.
Together with Consul Jea Hyuk Jung and KOTRA director
KOTRA director Seung Gi Kim and representatives of the Guatemalan-Korean Chamber of Commerce, the
representatives of the Guatemalan-Korean Chamber of Commerce, the diplomat developed an agenda that
the ZDEEP model and its potential as a regional logistics and industrial platform.
regional industrial platform.
During the event, the president of ZOLIC's
of the Board of Directors of ZOLIC, Cristian Mayorga, emphasized the role of these zones as investment catalysts, thanks to a scheme that combines
investment catalysts, thanks to a scheme that combines tax incentives, logistical connectivity and
tax incentives, logistical connectivity and operating conditions that facilitate the installation and growth of
facilitate the installation and growth of companies.
As part of the tour, the participants
the progress of projects under development in this ZDEEP, such as the Han Sae complex, which in its initial phase is expected to generate 4,500 jobs.
Han Sae complex, which in its initial phase is expected to generate 4,500 direct jobs.
jobs.
This approach takes place in a particularly
particularly relevant context. In November 2025, Guatemala
formalized its accession to the South Korea-Central America Free Trade Agreement, a strategic step that
Central America, a strategic step that strengthens its position vis-à-vis other countries in the region and expands trade and investment opportunities.
and expands opportunities for trade and investment.
The agreement will allow a large
Guatemalan products to enter the Korean market under preferential conditions, boosting key sectors such as agriculture
preferential conditions, boosting key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and textiles.
textile.
Currently, trade between the two countries
trade between the two countries is already showing dynamism: recently, Guatemalan exports to Korea exceeded US$$90 million
Guatemala's exports to Korea recently exceeded US$$90 million and more than 150 Korean
150 Korean companies operate in the country, according to information shared by the Guatemalan-Korean Chamber of Commerce.
Guatemalan-Korean Chamber of Commerce.
During the meeting, the Korean ambassador
invited ZOLIC to participate in an upcoming investment attraction event to be organized in Guatemala.
event to be organized in Guatemala.
Beyond a protocol visit, this
This meeting reflects Guatemala's potential to consolidate itself as a relevant player in
to consolidate its position as a relevant player in attracting investment in an increasingly demanding global environment.
increasingly demanding global environment.