A New Chapter in Bilateral Scientific Collaboration

The recent state visit of Uruguay’s President Yamandú Orsi to China marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations, particularly in agricultural biotechnology, scientific research, and innovation. As global demand for food security, sustainable agriculture, and advanced biotech solutions continues to rise, partnerships between technologically advanced nations and resource-rich agricultural producers are becoming increasingly strategic. In this context, China and Uruguay cooperate to accelerate innovation across agriculture, livestock, biotechnology, and nanomedicine—areas that could reshape productivity, competitiveness, and scientific capacity in both countries.

Why Agricultural Biotechnology Matters for China and Uruguay

China is currently the world’s largest consumer of livestock and forage products, with rising demand driven by population growth, dietary changes, and urbanization. To ensure food security, China is diversifying its import sources and strengthening international agricultural partnerships. Uruguay, meanwhile, stands out as a global agricultural producer with:

• Extensive pastureland
• A strong cattle and dairy industry
• High-quality genetic livestock resources
• A reputation for traceability and food safety

These strengths make Uruguay a strong partner for China’s efforts to modernize its agriculture.

“Uruguay is a country with a great wealth of natural resources that must be leveraged with advanced technology,” said Lucas Borchardt, CEO of Reevolution.

Establishing a Joint Agro-Livestock Laboratory

One of the most notable outcomes of the visit was the signing of an agreement to create a joint agro-livestock research laboratory between:

• Qingdao Agricultural University
• Vland Biotech (China)
• Uruguay’s National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA)
• Reevolution (Uruguay)

The laboratory aims to turn traditional livestock systems into modern, data-driven, and high-value production models.

Key Research Areas

The joint laboratory will prioritize:

• Grass seed innovation to improve pasture productivity
• Smart livestock technologies for monitoring animal health and productivity
• Precision disease prevention and control systems
• Development of premium dairy and meat products derived from pasture-based systems
• Introduction of high-quality plant and animal genetic resources

This project moves beyond simple academic exchange and focuses on combining research, production, and real-world use.

“Our institution has global leadership in improving pasture quality and efficiency,” explained Professor Sun Juan from Qingdao Agricultural University.

Technology Transfer and Smart Livestock Production

A critical component of the collaboration is technology transfer. China plans to provide Uruguay with advanced solutions in:

• Healthy breeding technologies
• Smart herd management systems
• Deep processing of pasture-based livestock products
• Digital monitoring tools and AI-driven livestock analytics

Uruguay’s agricultural sector has shown a clear need for new ideas, especially in processing and creating higher-value products. By working with China, Uruguay aims to go beyond just exporting raw goods and develop more advanced, technology-driven agribusiness.

Potential Impact on Uruguay’s Agricultural Sector

Experts anticipate that the partnership could transform Uruguay’s livestock industry by enabling:

• Higher productivity per hectare
• Improved genetic breeding programs
• Enhanced traceability and quality control
• New premium export categories for Asian markets
• Increased integration into global agricultural innovation networks

Borchardt said that working together on genomic analysis, pasture improvements, and seed development can benefit both countries and speed up scientific progress.

Expanding Collaboration in Vaccine Production

The Uruguayan delegation also visited Vland Biotech’s research laboratories and vaccine production facilities, highlighting interest in scaling vaccine manufacturing.

Agustín Correa Bove, CEO of Scaffold Biotech, noted:

“We are expanding vaccine production, and finding a partner like Vland is essential to accelerate this process.”

This partnership could help Uruguay’s pharmaceutical and veterinary biotech industries grow and improve disease prevention for both livestock and public health.

Joint Nanobiotechnology and AI Research Platforms

Beyond agriculture, the partnership extends into cutting-edge biomedical and nanotechnology research. The University of Qingdao and the University of the Republic of Uruguay signed a memorandum to establish a joint pharmaceutical bionanotechnology laboratory.

Planned Research Platforms Include:

• Biological nanomaterial design and intelligent synthesis
• Biomedical big data and AI computing platforms
• Functionalized nanomedicine preparation and precision delivery systems
• Nanomedicine product development and commercialization platforms

The goal is to build an international center that draws top scientists and speeds up the sharing of new technology. By working together in nanomedicine, China and Uruguay cooperate and hope to lead in smart biomedical innovation.

Artificial Intelligence in Oral Pathology

Another advanced collaboration involves the Faculties of Dentistry at both universities, which agreed to establish a joint laboratory focused on AI-driven oral pathology. The initiative aims to:

• Develop AI models for digital histopathology
• Create interoperable and standardized clinical databases
• Improve diagnostic accuracy through machine learning

This partnership shows how bilateral cooperation is expanding beyond agriculture into advanced healthcare technologies.

From Academic Exchange to Integrated Innovation Networks

Historically, collaboration between China and Uruguay began with academic exchanges and joint research projects. Today, it is evolving into a multidimensional innovation ecosystem involving:

• Universities
• Private biotechnology companies
• Government research institutions
• Industrial partners

This combined approach helps both countries bring scientific discoveries to market more quickly and build stronger innovation skills. China and Uruguay cooperate and are also working with other countries in the Belt and Road Initiative, expanding their research worldwide.

Economic and Trade Relations: A Growing Partnership

The scientific partnership is supported by a rapidly expanding economic relationship. Since establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023, bilateral trade has grown steadily.

Key Trade Highlights

China has been Uruguay’s largest trading partner for several consecutive years. In 2025, bilateral trade reached $7.19 billion, up more than 9% year over year.

Uruguay exports:

• Beef
• Dairy products
• Wine
• Soybean meal
• Rapeseed meal

China exports:

• Automobiles
• Household appliances
• Consumer goods

These trade exchanges give Chinese consumers access to high-quality farm products and help improve living standards in Uruguay by making manufactured goods more affordable.

Strategic Implications for Global Agriculture

The collaboration reflects broader global trends:

• Rising demand for sustainable agriculture
• Increasing role of AI and biotechnology in food production
• Growing South–South and South–North scientific partnerships
• Integration of digital technologies in livestock and crop managemen

By combining China’s technological expertise with Uruguay’s agricultural resources, both countries are positioning themselves as leaders in next-generation agri-biotech innovation.

Opportunities for Investors and Industry

The expanding partnership opens new opportunities for:

• Agribusiness companies
• Biotechnology firms
• Venture capital investors
• Universities and research institutions
• Startups in AI, genomics, and agricultural technology

Joint labs and innovation platforms open doors for new business, partnerships, and technology sharing. The way China and Uruguay cooperate and are working together could bring global investment into agricultural tech centers in both countries.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Future Bilateral Innovation

As China and Uruguay commemorate 38 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, their partnership is shifting from traditional trade toward a knowledge-based, innovation-driven alliance. Key future priorities include:

• Expanding joint research programs
• Scaling industrial applications of biotech innovations
• Training and exchanging scientific talent
• Strengthening digital infrastructure for smart agriculture
• Developing joint standards and regulatory frameworks

By combining science, trade, and strategic diplomacy, this partnership serves as a model for other countries that want to modernize their agriculture and biotechnology sectors.

Conclusion: Building a High-Tech Agricultural Future

The recent agreements are more than just symbolic—they mark a real shift toward working together on technology and the economy. The partnership now covers smart livestock systems, advanced vaccines, AI-based diagnostics, and nanomedicine. By joining natural resources with new technology, China and Uruguay are setting an example for sustainable farming, scientific achievement, and global competitiveness. Their teamwork demonstrates how international partnerships can accelerate progress and economic growth in today’s world.

In remarks at the time of the signing, President Noboa himself underscored Ecuador’s desire for international cooperation. “Ecuador is open to investment, growth and international partnerships,” Noboa said. He also characterized the treaty as “the opening of a new market, with new direct investment, more exports and, therefore, the creation of job opportunities” for the Ecuadorian people.

The president also noted that the agreement benefited both Ecuador and the rest of the world. “For the world, it means that Ecuador is a trustworthy country, ready to become a productive engine,” Noboa added on X. This communication, in particular, makes clear the government’s overarching goal of further integrating Ecuador into global value chains and economic networks, as well as reinforcing the country’s brand as a destination for foreign investment. In this regard, the investment promotion treaty between the UAE and Ecuador is expected to be a major foundation of Ecuador’s new strategy for making itself more visible in the international arena.

A New Agreement on Integrity and Anti-Corruption

On another note, the two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on integrity and the prevention of corruption. This MOU illustrates how both parties are of the opinion that transparency and accountability are the basis for any kind of sustainable economic development. The agreement will allow both parties to develop their respective strategies, methods, and tools to avoid and fight corruption.

Additionally, the MOU foresees cooperation in terms of capacity-building, professional training, and exchange of experiences, initiatives, and good practices in the areas of integrity, transparency, and institutional accountability and public ethics. In a context in which investors are more demanding of the countries where they invest and push for high standards of governance, this MOU also contributes to the credibility of future investments between the United Arab Emirates and Ecuador.

Advancing Technology, Innovation, and AI Cooperation

Secondly, both countries also signed an MOU in support of an international Technological Innovation Corridor. This MOU is designed to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, advanced research and development, and frontier technologies. By teaming up with a country that is a regional leader in smart governance initiatives and technological innovation, Ecuador looks forward to accelerating its own process of digital development, including the consolidation of its startup ecosystem.

With this new alliance, Ecuador aims to attract cutting-edge technologies to the country and boost entrepreneurship in areas like fintech, software, digital logistics, biotechnology, clean technologies, and artificial intelligence. In this context, the MOU also includes measures to encourage academic and research exchange and the generation of joint ventures between the countries.

In this way, the technology and innovation corridor between the United Arab Emirates and Ecuador provides a template for how the investments between the two can be channelled to encompass knowledge-based industries, innovation clusters, and the digital economy. These areas, in particular, are essential for countries looking to carve out a competitive advantage in an increasingly globalized and fast-changing world economy, as well as diversify their productive structure.

A Wider Effort to Expand Internationally

Daniel Noboa’s visit to the UAE and the agreements that he was able to close with the Emirati government form part of Ecuador’s larger foreign policy and diplomatic strategy. By diversifying its portfolio of economic partnerships and expanding abroad, Ecuador is seeking to insulate itself from external risks and create new channels for trade, investment, and technological exchange.

Countries like the UAE, which have deep pools of sovereign wealth, a global logistics footprint and world-class infrastructure are natural partners for countries seeking to supercharge development with foreign investment. Ecuador’s decision to deepen investments between the United Arab Emirates and Ecuador should therefore be viewed in the context of this broader desire to create confidence and strategic ties that support innovation, economic modernization, job creation, and more sustainable growth.

Taken together, the investment protection treaty, anti-corruption MOU, and technological innovation partnership are all significant steps toward a new phase in Ecuador-UAE collaboration that is based on transparency, innovation, and long-term development. The investment promotion treaty between the UAE and Ecuador, and the coming into force of the necessary implementing regulations, will be central to this process going forward.

A Landmark Investment in Mexico’s Southeastern Region

Heineken announced a historic $2.75 billion investment in Mexico to support its dedication to one of the most dynamic beer markets in the world. The investment includes the construction of a new brewery located in the Kanasín municipality within Yucatán. CEO of Heineken Mexico, Oriol Bonaclocha, announced the strategic importance of southeastern Mexico for sustainable industrial growth.

The eighth Heineken brewery in Mexico will launch with an anticipated creation of over 3,000 new direct and indirect positions. The decision matches Heineken’s enduring strategic focus, which includes innovation alongside efficiency and sustainability.

Why Yucatán? Strategic Location and Resources

Heineken’s decision to construct a new brewery in Yucatán demonstrates its belief in the region’s resources and logistical capabilities. Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard stated that the Yucatán Peninsula plays an essential role in Mexico’s national development strategy. The region possesses plentiful water essential for beverage production, while transportation and logistics capabilities continue to advance rapidly.

According to Ebrard, Mexico’s southeast region has the potential to develop into a sustainable industrial center. The Tren Maya project, alongside port improvements in Progreso and road network enhancements, helps drive regional transformation and attract both international and local investment to the area.

Sustainability at the Core of Heineken’s Strategy

Bonaclocha emphasized that sustainability principles would guide the construction of the new Kanasín brewery. Heineken’s global strategy for its new brewery in Yucatán centers on three core pillars: protecting the environment, while fulfilling social responsibilities, and supporting responsible consumption habits. The company will apply these principles throughout both construction and operational phases when establishing its new brewery in Yucatán, with top green manufacturing standards.

Heineken Mexico demonstrates consistent implementation of environmentally friendly practices in its operations. The Meoqui brewery, located in Chihuahua, stands as one of the world’s leading sustainable breweries because it produces no waste while heavily relying on solar energy. The Kanasín facility is anticipated to implement similar sustainable innovations, which will set it as a standard for brewing sustainability across Latin America.

Economic Impact and Social Benefits

Heineken’s new plant signifies both corporate expansion and an important milestone for local economic development. Yucatán Governor Joaquín Jesús Díaz Mena declared that this project will inject over $500 million in investments into the state’s economy while establishing more than 300 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect job positions.

Governor Joaquín Jesús Díaz Mena expressed his support for the project’s ability to bring significant change to Kanasín along with its neighboring areas. The initiative creates a stronger industrial foundation and develops more job openings, which leads to decreased social inequality in the region. He emphasized that this investment will bring transformative change to local communities while Yucatán develops into a primary industrial route in southeastern Mexico.

National Program for Industrial Development

The Yucatán brewery project by Heineken corresponds with Mexico’s national drive to develop its industrial sector. CEO of Fibra Prologis and AMPIP board member, Héctor Ibarzábal, stated that the establishment of the Kanasín brewery is part of a national strategy to build 116 new industrial parks.

AMPIP represents 95% of Mexico’s industrial activity through its 477 parks in 28 states and serves as a key driver of foreign direct investment. Ibarzábal stressed that continuous cooperation with the federal government remains essential since working groups have been formed to address electricity, water, security, and transportation needs, which are vital for industrial success.

The public-private partnership enhances Mexico’s status as an attractive production and distribution center for organizations looking to broaden their supply chains because of worldwide trade changes. Major multinationals have chosen to build a new brewery in Yucatán as a strategic move to take advantage of favorable conditions.

North American Supply Chain Optimization

Heineken will be able to serve the Yucatán Peninsula and adjacent markets more effectively with their new plant in Kanasín. The company achieves lower transportation expenses and decreased carbon emissions while accelerating market responsiveness by manufacturing products closer to demand centers.

The Yucatán brewery helps meet regional supply needs because the United States represents a major portion of industrial tenant demand in Mexico, while positioning Heineken as a supply chain resilience leader. The plant’s strategic importance will increase due to its proximity to major ports and transport routes.

The rise of nearshoring in Mexico has become more prominent as businesses assess their global supply chains because of current geopolitical challenges. With its new brewery project in Yucatán, Heineken stands to take advantage of shifting market dynamics and strengthen its position as a leading beverage company in North America.

Workforce Development and Innovation

Heineken plans to invest in workforce training and develop local talent to ensure successful operations at the new brewery. The company plans to establish top-tier employment positions which include extensive professional development programs specially targeting technical and engineering disciplines.

The Yucatán project will feature innovation as a fundamental element, according to Bonaclocha. The plant will showcase Heineken Mexico’s production advancements by integrating automation and AI-enhanced brewing techniques with digital quality control systems. The brewery will function as a benchmark for contemporary manufacturing methods within the food and beverage sector.

The region stands poised to attract future investment opportunities

The construction of Heineken’s new Yucatán brewery extends beyond economic benefits and industrial growth to signal to multinational investors about opportunities in the region. This project shows that southeastern Mexico provides businesses with necessary infrastructure and workforce support, as well as institutional backing to sustain key industrial activities.

The joint investment promotion work of Yucatán and the federal government shows successful results. Project initiatives that merge local economic growth targets with corporate sustainable practices and innovative strategies drive progress toward a more inclusive and future-ready economy.

Conclusion: A Strategic, Sustainable, and Socially Conscious Expansion

The $2.75 billion investment by Heineken to construct a new brewery in Yucatán demonstrates Mexico’s economic potential, especially in southeastern regions where new industrial activity is emerging.

The Kanasín project demonstrates how sustained planning and partnership between public and private sectors can achieve sustainable development success. The brewery’s construction and operational development will establish it as a fundamental part of Heineken’s expansion in North America while serving as a transformation agent for the Yucatán region.

According to Procolombia figures, the textile industry contributes 9.4% of the industrial GDP and employs more than 600,000 people.

Colombian textile brands have been gaining ground in international and national markets. This circumstance is thanks to their fabrics and clothing quality, avant-garde designs, and the innovation or imposition of new trends. They have become some of the favorites of Colombian consumers. For this reason, despite the nation’s economy’s contraction, Colombia’s textile industry continues to be very strong. According to Procolombia, it contributes 9.4% of the country’s industrial GDP and employs more than 600,000 people.

Additionally, according to the Superintendency of Companies, textile companies moved 14.34 billion Colombian pesos in 2022, and 25 companies were registered among the 1,000 largest in the country, with a combined turnover of 11.5 billion pesos.

In this panorama, five Colombian textile brands are beginning to appear as some of the most promising for 2024. These companies’ positions are not only due to their rankings in the industry but also due to their projections, expansion strategies, growth in sales, and innovation and development. These factors ensure them a position among the options that will be most popular for Colombians and with the greatest projections for growth for next year.

GEF/White Point

The fusion of elegance and comfort defines the GEF/Punto Blanco proposal. With a consolidated history, this is one of the edITED that has conquered the market with garments that go beyond trends, incorporating quality and versatility.

The company is a part of the Crystal group, a business entity with approximately US 1.01 billion Colombian pesos in revenues in 2022. This brand currently has 71% of its portfolio production as sustainable, a factor that has been key to attracting consumers increasingly interested in preserving the environment. GE/Punto Blanco aspires to become one of the most sustainable fashion companies in the Latin American region.

Koach

Koach is one of the textile brands in Colombia that stands as a beacon of innovation in the country’s fashion scene. Its ability to capture emerging trends and translate them into attractive garments has earned the loyalty of consumers eager to capture a contemporary style.

Owned by Permoda, this company is listed as one of the largest in the industry, as its operating income is US 913.7 billion pesos in 2022, which represents a growth of 22.3% compared to the previous year.

Quest

With more than 28 years in the industry, this brand has become one of the leading textile brands in Colombia. The company has stood out for handling high-quality fabrics, its innovation, development, and technology processes, and being a brand that has imposed a masculine trend.

It should be noted that Quest has a presence in more than 70 cities in the country and nearly 150 stores. Thanks to its potential in markets such as Valle del Cauca, Santander, and the Coast. Quest closed 2022 with sales growth of 30% and income of more than 200 billion Colombian pesos.

Their potential for 2024 is because they have built a long-term relationship with their customers under the umbrella of three clothing categories: casual wear, jeans wear, and streetwear. In addition, it should be added that they seek to reach new market segments. This is why they are betting on growth leveraged by a franchise model, international expansion, and a significant boost to their digital channels.

However, what stands out most about this company is that it has 420 points of sale and around 6,000 employees.

Patprimo

This casual fashion icon has established itself as a benchmark for releasing fresh and authentic collections that have resonated with an audience that values authenticity and casual style.

Sixty-five years after being founded, Patprimo closed in 2022 with 134 stores, 126 open in Colombia, 5 more in Ecuador, 2 in Costa Rica, and 1 in Panama. Belonging to the Adotex group, which includes brands such as Facol and Seven, it is estimated to sell almost 1 billion pesos annually. It is ranked 201 among the 1,000 largest companies in the country.

Likewise, this company had the first place in income within the textile industry, with a capital close to US 1.26 billion pesos and a year-on-year increase of 28.08%. However, their current big bet is on a strategy in which they are focused on strengthening consumers’ brand experience and positioning Patprimo as a current and sophisticated fashion alternative.

Studio F

Behind this brand is the renowned STF Group, which also owns ELA. With more than 25 years of experience, this Valle del Cauca company has added new milestones daily. It is not only among the 50 most productive companies in the region. Still, it has also carried out a successful expansion plan that allows it to have more than 520 points of sale between physical stores, e-commerce, and corners, distributed in Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Chile, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala, Honduras, and Curacao.

Additionally, last year, they closed with over $900 billion turnover. This is an amount that its directors assure they plan to surpass by being able to close with a growth of more than 10%; many experts in textile brands in Colombia are confident that it will achieve it. Recently, the company has been readying itself for its arrival in Spain and opening its new store in Bogotá: Studio F Man.

It should be noted that these textile brands in Colombia are witnesses of the present fashion boom in the country and architects of its future.

Colombian textile brands have garnered significant acclaim and popularity throughout Latin America, establishing themselves as regional fashion and textile market leaders. The textile industry in Colombia not only stands as a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship but also plays a pivotal role in its economic landscape. Indeed, the sector significantly contributes to Colombia’s manufacturing GDP, underscoring its importance in driving industrial growth. Furthermore, the industry serves as a robust generator of employment opportunities, providing livelihoods to many Colombians and bolstering the nation’s socio-economic fabric.

Guest Blog Post: Wendy Mena, Investment Promotion Advisor, Invest Guatemala

Small and medium-sized companies must enter the formal sector of the Guatemalan economy. By integrating themselves into Central American value chains, Guatemala and the region will become more attractive to international investors.

The Guatemalan economy benefits from regional trade

Guatemala, as one of the leading trading partners of Central American countries, has an excellent opportunity to integrate into regional value chains. Currently, Guatemala is an essential supplier to the countries of the region of inputs such as packaging, containers, agricultural and agro-industrial products, and textile materials that complement their production processes. This makes Guatemala a key partner in terms of regional value chains. The formalization and internationalization of small and medium-sized businesses and the attraction of investments in the Guatemalan economy will strengthen this complementarity and make the entire region more resilient and attractive to investors. Central American countries should focus on something other than competing among themselves but on strengthening the areas where their economies complement each other.

An event called ExpoParks was recently held in Costa Rica. This was the first gathering in the region dedicated to publicizing the offer of industrial parks and free zones in Central America and the Dominican Republic to companies looking for options to move their operations to countries closer to North American consumers. That is, it offered options to implement the nearshoring strategy. This is a strategy that is attracting historic investment flows to Latin America. It is a crucial opportunity for the Guatemalan economy and the rest of Central America.

Guatemala can benefit from its proximity to Mexico

To attract foreign direct investment, it is necessary to concentrate on different areas. On the one hand, Guatemala must formulate and implement policies to promote and modernize the supply of industrial parks. This is the case for the Guatemalan economy because the rest of the region has an advantage in industrial areas, ready for new companies to start operations and specialize in industries with greater added value. Second, because it is the closest neighbor to Mexico, Guatemala can take advantage of the opportunities that the former country can no longer absorb. On the other hand, in order to further fortify the Guatemalan economy, it is vital to strengthen the network of local suppliers to complement the value chains.

Given the significant nearshoring investment flows that its neighbor to the North generates, Guatemala’s proximity to Mexico opens the doors to opportunities. Guatemala can integrate itself into low and medium-complexity manufacturing value chains to supply clusters such as automotive, agri-food, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and other light manufacturing activities. It can also become the logistics hub for North America for these industries thanks to Guatemala’s competitive distribution costs.

Along with the rest of Central America, the Guatemalan economy shares competitive advantages for nearshoring, such as strategic location, cultural affinity with North America, competitive operating costs, and a substantial network of free trade agreements. The industries’ specialization differentiates Guatemala, the workforce’s qualities, and the regulations for business start-ups. Like Costa Rica, Guatemala stands out for the size of its domestic market, political and economic stability, the redundancy of renewable electrical energy, and a well-organized business sector. However, those who view Central America from abroad see a region with a common foreign trade framework and economic institutions that unite its countries. A regional approach to development is vital since, in terms of population size and total production, the countries of the isthmus are very small when they act individually.

Central America has experienced strong economic growth in recent years

According to data from the World Bank, presented by one of the leading companies in corporate real estate services, Central America and the Dominican Republic represent 0.8% of the world’s population (61 million inhabitants) and 0.4 of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022. Central America is a collection of small economies. However, the region stands out for reporting the highest economic growth figures in two recent years, with 11.1% in 2021 and 4.9% in 2022. It also stands out for having a solid export structure, in which exports of goods and services represent 34.1% of GDP and by attracting foreign investment flows that have averaged 4.3% with respect to GDP.

This shows that, as a region, Central America offers more than a strategic location for nearshoring. As purely exporting countries, the region has the potential to integrate into global value chains with higher value-added products to the extent that it can also take advantage of the complementarity of the region’s economies. This will enable Central American countries to work together to face challenges that limit more investment from reaching the region, such as the availability of qualified labor, development of adequate productive infrastructure, modern investment attraction regimes, and promoting the digitalization and simplification of procedures that multinationals must comply with to start operations.

This is why, to take advantage of the nearshoring strategy better, Guatemala must focus on developing a network of suppliers to integrate into the region’s value chains that help create an ecosystem to form new economic clusters in the country. Micro, small, and medium-sized companies in the Guatemalan economy have an excellent opportunity to be part of this network of suppliers and thus grow their businesses or start new ones. This will also allow exports to grow, attract investment to more sophisticated sectors, and generate the more than 2.5 million good-quality jobs that the country needs

This post is a translated and edited version of an opinion piece that was originally published at PrensaLibre.com