At the 20th Industrial Congress, President Bernardo Arévalo reaffirmed that sustainable industrialization is the strategic path to transforming Guatemala’s economy and ensuring inclusive, modern, and resilient growth. His message emphasized that Guatemalan development depends on aligning economic progress with environmental preservation, institutional transparency, and social inclusion—a balance he considers fundamental for long-term prosperity.

A Vision for a New Economic Model

Addressing representatives of the private sector, the president called for the construction of strong alliances to advance toward a productive model that combines economic growth with social and environmental responsibility. Arévalo stressed that Guatemalan development cannot be achieved through economic expansion alone; it must also foster equitable access to opportunities, sustainable resource management, and robust governance.

“Working for political certainty and the recovery of justice institutions is the best contribution to the economic and social development of our country,” Arévalo stated. He underlined that legal and institutional stability is a prerequisite for attracting investment, promoting innovation, and generating quality employment. Without a reliable judicial system, he argued, neither foreign nor domestic investors can feel confident that their rights will be protected.

Public-Private Collaboration for Shared Prosperity

The president emphasized that his administration does not seek to compete with the private sector, but rather to complement it. “We want those who undertake, risk their capital, and bet on Guatemala to have clear rules and institutional support,” he explained. For Arévalo, the partnership between government and industry is essential to achieving the shared goal of Guatemalan development based on sustainability and productivity.

In that regard, he underscored that the State must play an active role as a facilitator of development, creating favorable conditions for businesses to thrive and contribute to collective well-being. This includes streamlining bureaucratic processes, enhancing legal transparency, and ensuring access to infrastructure and financing.

Modernizing the State: Efficiency and Digital Transformation

One of the central themes of Arévalo’s address was the need to modernize the state apparatus to make it more efficient, transparent, and accessible. He reported that 70% of administrative procedures across 14 government agencies have already been digitized, simplifying 444 processes that once required in-person visits and extensive paperwork.

By June 2026, more than 860 procedures are expected to be available electronically. According to Arévalo, this digital transformation is a cornerstone of Guatemalan development, as it reduces bureaucracy, cuts operational costs, and accelerates productive activities. “We want citizens and entrepreneurs to interact with the State through agile, modern, and reliable systems that reflect efficiency and trust,” he said.

This modernization agenda is also aimed at reducing corruption and discretionary practices within public administration, thereby strengthening institutional credibility and efficiency.

Strong Economic Indicators Signal Confidence

On the economic front, Arévalo presented figures reflecting a positive and stable performance. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.7% in 2024, while public debt remains at just 27% of GDP—one of the lowest ratios in Latin America. He highlighted that such fiscal discipline reinforces investor confidence and provides a solid foundation for financing long-term projects tied to Guatemalan development.

Additionally, foreign direct investment reached USD 476 million in the first quarter of 2025, while domestic investment increased by 12.8%. “All rating agencies have raised Guatemala’s outlook to stable and positive,” he added. These indicators suggest that confidence in the country’s economic direction is strengthening, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology.

Infrastructure: The Backbone of Industrial Growth

Arévalo also discussed infrastructure as a decisive factor for advancing sustainable industrialization. He noted that his government has prioritized public investment in social and productive projects—including hospitals, schools, housing, and transportation networks—to improve the quality of life and boost competitiveness.

Infrastructure expansion, especially in logistics corridors and port facilities, is expected to strengthen Guatemala’s regional integration and make it an attractive destination for manufacturing and export-oriented investment. “Connectivity is vital for industrialization. Every kilometer of road, every school built, every hospital opened is an investment in Guatemalan development,” he stated.

He further highlighted the international support the government has received, including assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to modernize key equipment and institutions that underpin national infrastructure projects.

The Challenge of Justice and Governance

However, Arévalo acknowledged that achieving sustainable development requires confronting Guatemala’s deep-rooted structural challenges—chief among them, corruption and impunity. Although the homicide rate has been cut in half since 2010, he warned that these advances are at risk due to the continued weakening of the judicial system.

“Since 2017, certain mafias have taken over key institutions, diverting their functions to protect private interests,” he denounced. To reverse this trend, the president called for ensuring transparent processes in the selection of authorities such as the Attorney General, the Constitutional Court, and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. “We are in a battle between the decent people of Guatemala and corruption and impunity,” he declared.

Restoring the rule of law, he said, is not only a moral imperative but also an economic one. A strong, impartial judiciary guarantees investor security and lays the groundwork for sustainable Guatemalan development that benefits all citizens, not just a few.

A Collective Commitment to the Future

The 20th Industrial Congress reaffirmed itself as a space for open dialogue between the government and the productive sector. Arévalo’s message underscored that sustainable industrialization is not merely an economic objective but a comprehensive national strategy requiring unity, transparency, and a long-term vision.

He called upon all sectors—public institutions, businesses, academia, and civil society—to work collaboratively in designing an industrial ecosystem that encourages innovation, respects the environment, and generates shared prosperity. “Guatemala has the potential to be a competitive, fair, and prosperous country. But to achieve it, we must work together,” he concluded.

In the broader context, Arévalo’s speech represented a call to action: to build a new chapter of Guatemalan development founded on sustainability, justice, and cooperation. His administration’s goals aim not only to increase productivity but also to create the social and institutional conditions necessary for lasting progress—ensuring that every advancement in industry contributes to a more equitable and resilient Guatemala.

In his presentation on the transformation of global supply chains in 2025, supply chain expert Jim Tompkins discussed Panama’s potential as a pivotal digital command center. “Panama must now pivot from a regional logistics hub to a hemispheric digital nerve center,” Tompkins noted at the Supply Chain Forum 2025. “At a historic juncture, Panama is prepared to emerge as the digital command house for supply chains throughout the hemisphere, going beyond traditional freight corridors and container ships into a data-driven network of intelligent logistics,” he added. Tompkins’ keynote speech at the annual industry event in Panama City, attended by over 700 executives, emphasized Panama’s unique position to lead the digitalization of supply chains. The country’s ideal location, cutting-edge logistics, and bi-oceanic connectivity give it a significant advantage, and with the right innovations, it can attract global digital partnerships.

The Next Step: Digital Control Tower for Supply Chains

Jim Tompkins went on to say that the next step for Panama was not merely physical infrastructure but a transition into a control tower for digital supply chains. By serving as a global command house, data networks, and analytics, Tompkins added that the country could coordinate trade flows to leverage its strategic position in the Western Hemisphere. The central theme of his address was that data has the potential to replace barrels of oil as the most valuable commodity. The success of any supply chain in the near future would be determined by the quality of automation and data analytics. In this scenario, Panama has the chance to become a smart gateway and transform into a reliable node for global digital commerce. If successful in its digital strategy, Panama, as a digital hub for supply chains, could shift trade to connect the entire Western Hemisphere, surpassing its historic role as merely a connector of oceans.

Five Forces to Build Panama as a Digital Hub for Supply Chains

In his comprehensive assessment of the factors that will affect Panama’s ability to achieve this ambition in 2025, Jim Tompkins identified five main advantages. First, the country’s geographic location already places Panama in the heart of major trade lanes that interconnect Latin America, the Caribbean, the United States, and the rest of the world. As the Panama Canal interconnects 140 maritime routes to more than 1,700 ports in 160 countries, its ability to offer unparalleled connectivity between Asia, Europe, the U.S., and Latin America is only second to its natural geographic advantage. Second, it has one of the most advanced multimodal infrastructures in the world, with facilities such as the Colon Free Zone, the Panama Canal Railway, and Tocumen International Airport offering seamless integration of sea, air, and land transport. Third, Panama has a track record of political and economic stability, which has always been an important factor in attracting investors, thanks to dollarization of the economy and pro-business legislation. Fourth is the growth of new generations of digital talent with advanced degrees in data science, logistics engineering, software development, and other disciplines that are critical to driving digital supply chains. Lastly, Tompkins emphasized that sustainability is an essential component of the nation’s long-term vision. As major companies continue to prioritize environmental and social responsibility, Panama’s commitment to renewable energy, green certifications, and circular economy principles will be increasingly important.

Panama’s Strategic Advantage

Jim Tompkins suggested a comprehensive framework to help Panama take the next leap toward becoming a global control tower, which would place the country’s expertise in logistics and its strategic geographic position at the heart of global trade. According to Tompkins, if Panama, as a digital hub for supply chains, invests in technology, talent, and regional collaboration, it could achieve its goal of becoming the world’s command house for supply chains. This would involve more than just physical infrastructure; digital ecosystems connecting ports, airports, logistics hubs, and corporate offices through common data platforms will be required. This next-generation global management system will allow real-time data analysis and decision-making, with the Panama Canal serving as a literal and figurative information highway. Panama, as a command house for supply chains, would be capable of monitoring trade movements across continents, proactively identifying issues, and proposing solutions using advanced AI systems. Analytics platforms would be able to anticipate disruptions by using artificial intelligence to track weather patterns, monitor political risks, and even read consumer trends from social media in order to manage supply networks more intelligently.

Collaboration is Key to Regional Alliances

Jim Tompkins recognized the value of regional integration in this process, with the Dominican Republic seen as a potential partner in a similar fashion to Panama as a digital hub for supply chains. By synchronizing operations with the neighboring country, goods could be delivered to the U.S. East Coast and beyond more quickly. Dominican Republic, by acting as an e-commerce hub, would also bring more competitive power to the Panama Canal in a trade corridor that would connect North America to the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and beyond. In addition to physical investments, the government and corporate sector in Panama would be well advised to invest in a public-private framework in which governments, corporations, academic institutions, financial services, and chambers of commerce collaborate to lay the groundwork for a fully digital ecosystem. Such ecosystems are built on shared standards and principles, and they are designed to last. This would require leadership and a shared vision from all sectors of society, as well as a willingness to accept new ideas. This public-private partnership and collaboration would be the cornerstone of a broader vision for Panama as a digital hub for supply chains, providing a level of trust and transparency that would make it the region’s most reliable command house for supply chains.

Uncertainty: The Top Risk for Supply Chains in 2025

In Tompkins’ opinion, uncertainty is the number one risk for supply chains in 2025. While geopolitical risks, market volatility, and cyber threats continue to threaten supply chains, climate-related disruptions such as hurricanes, floods, and rising seas are also a problem. A digital command house in Panama would address these uncertainties in several ways, giving businesses more control, foresight, and visibility over their operations. Panama, as a digital hub for supply chains, would act as a catalyst for digitization, bridging the gap between the analog and digital world to provide global corporations with more certainty. With real-time data monitoring, companies will be able to anticipate interruptions, adapt to market changes more rapidly, and keep consumer satisfaction high. In conclusion, Tompkins suggested that Panama as a digital hub for supply chains has the potential to go beyond just leadership in shipping lanes, supply networks, and technology and transform into a reliable node for global digital commerce. If successful in its digital strategy, it could shift trade in the Western Hemisphere.

Tax havens rank among the main sources of investment

The latest Foreign Capital Census from the Central Bank of Brazil (BC), released in Brasília, provides a detailed overview of the origin and distribution of direct investment in Brazil. According to the report, the United States — which in August imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Brazilian exports — remains the largest source of productive capital entering the country.

In 2024, the total stock of foreign direct investment in Brazil reached USD 1.141 trillion, equivalent to 46.6% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This represents the highest share ever recorded in Brazilian economic history and underscores the country’s growing relevance as a destination for foreign capital. The result reflects the continued interest of international companies in entering the Brazilian market, which offers a combination of scale, sectoral diversity, and growth potential.

Composition of Foreign Investment

The Central Bank classifies direct investment in Brazil into two main categories. The first corresponds to participation in the equity capital of national companies, totaling USD 884.8 billion — the most significant portion of total investment. This amount is distributed among roughly 19,000 companies with foreign ownership. The second category, amounting to USD 256.4 billion, refers to intercompany operations, meaning loans made between subsidiaries and their parent companies abroad.

These figures show that direct investment in Brazil is not limited to stock purchases or speculative capital flows. It is strongly tied to productive activities, technology transfer, job creation, and integration into global value chains.

The United States Leads the Way

When examining the origin of the USD 884.8 billion invested in the equity of Brazilian companies, the United States stands out as the single largest investor, with USD 244.7 billion — approximately 28% of the total. The strong U.S. presence reinforces the historic economic ties between the two nations. It highlights the Brazilian market’s importance to multinational companies in the technology, energy, financial services, and manufacturing sectors.

Following the U.S. are the Netherlands (USD 145.5 billion, or 16%), Luxembourg (USD 79.2 billion, or 9%), France (USD 63.3 billion, or 7%), and Spain (USD 61.0 billion, or 7%). The United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Canada, and the Cayman Islands complete the top ten.

This concentration demonstrates that direct investment in Brazil primarily comes from developed economies, especially European countries, which use their financial centers — often located in tax havens — as gateways for investment flows.

The Role of Tax Havens

Fernando Rocha, head of the Statistics Department at the Central Bank, explained that the list reflects the country of the “immediate investor,” that is, the location from which the funds directly originated. However, this approach does not always represent the country that ultimately controls the capital.

“Often, a foreign company has its origins in one country but maintains its headquarters in another for tax reasons,” Rocha explained. “These are the so-called tax havens, places where companies send their funds and centralize their financial operations because they pay fewer taxes. From there, the money flows into Brazil.”

This dynamic explains why Luxembourg and the Cayman Islands appear among the primary sources of investment, even though they do not have major industrial economies. Indeed, when the Central Bank identifies the controlling country — the one that ultimately owns the investments — the ranking changes.

Final Controlling Countries of Investment

When the Central Bank analyzes direct investment in Brazil by controlling country, the United States remains in the lead, with USD 232.8 billion (26% of the total). France ranks second, with USD 69.3 billion (8%), followed by Uruguay (USD 58.4 billion, or 7%), Spain (USD 50.0 billion, or 6%), and the Netherlands (USD 48.6 billion, or 5%).

Uruguay’s position is noteworthy, as the neighboring country serves as a regional financial and logistics hub for international firms operating in Brazil. The strengthening of economic ties with these nations demonstrates that Brazil’s business environment remains attractive despite challenges such as tax complexity and regulatory bureaucracy.

Sectors That Attract the Most Foreign Capital

The Central Bank’s data also reveal which sectors of the Brazilian economy attract the most direct investment in Brazil. The services sector leads by a wide margin, accounting for 59% of total investment, followed by industry (29%) and agriculture and mineral extraction (12%).

Among specific activities, financial services and related operations take first place, with 22% of all foreign investment. They are followed by oil and natural gas extraction (8%), trade excluding vehicles (7%), electricity, gas, and other utilities (5%), and the chemical and automotive industries (each with 4%).

These figures reflect the growing importance of Brazil as a destination for long-term investments in strategic sectors, particularly infrastructure, clean energy, and industrial technology.

The Profile of U.S. Investments

The Central Bank’s data also identifies where American investors channel their capital. For the United States, as the final controlling country, 25% of investments are concentrated in the manufacturing industry — which transforms raw materials into finished or intermediate products — and 22% go to financial, insurance, and auxiliary service activities.

This distribution indicates that U.S. interest in Brazil extends well beyond financial speculation. American capital contributes significantly to strengthening Brazil’s industrial and technological base, as well as modernizing the national financial system.

Conclusion: Brazil Remains a Key Destination for Global Investors

The Central Bank’s report confirms that direct investment in Brazil remains strong, diversified, and concentrated in strategic sectors. Despite global trade tensions and market volatility, the country continues to stand out as one of the most attractive emerging economies in the world, benefiting from a dynamic domestic market, abundant natural resources, and a well-established industrial base.

With record levels of investment and an increasing focus on production and innovation, direct investment in Brazil represents not only a vital source of financial resources but also a powerful driver of economic development, job creation, and technological modernization.

In 2012, the first phase was inaugurated on sixty-four hectares, and three years later, an additional fifty-one hectares were added, consolidating an integrated urban development of 124 hectares.

Since then, efficiency has become the hallmark of the business model and the driving force behind its evolution.

A Business Community That Reflects Growth and Confidence

Today, 15 years later, what began as a dream of local entrepreneurs has evolved into a robust and diverse business ecosystem that drives opportunity and sustainable development.
Currently, more than 53 companies from the logistics, construction materials, metal-mechanical, agro-industrial, manufacturing, and specialized services sectors—aligned with the region’s clusters—operate within the Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia.
It is an international and diverse community composed of 24% foreign companies and 76% domestic ones, generating more than 2,400 direct jobs and positively impacting the region’s economic and social fabric.

Innovation That Transforms and Connects the World

Efficiency has been the hallmark of Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia since its inception. Thanks to its APPOLO technology platform, the park became Colombia’s first Automated Free Trade Zone, reducing cargo entry and exit times from 10 minutes to just 1, operating 24/7 with no additional costs, and generating an 86% savings in overtime for its users.
With a vision focused on total digitalization, APPOLO has integrated analytics, artificial intelligence, and real-time traceability tools, positioning itself as the most modern and secure software for free trade zone operations in the country.

In 2023, Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia became the nation’s top exporting free trade zone, posting a 156% increase in exports—reaffirming its leadership in competitiveness and its role as a logistics and export hub for Colombia’s Caribbean region.

Commitment to Sustainability and Efficiency

Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia has established itself as a next-generation Eco-Industrial Park, becoming the first Free Trade Zone in Colombia’s Caribbean region to be selected by UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) for its Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme.

This recognition reflects its commitment to a responsible production model based on sound environmental practices, energy efficiency, and business cooperation.
In partnership with ENEXA, it is developing Colombia’s largest floating solar plant and one of the largest in Latin America, generating 2.4 MVA of renewable energy, reaffirming its leadership in the country’s energy transition.

In addition, it holds BASC certifications for security, practices responsible water management, and runs circular economy programs and intercompany working groups that promote environmental and social co-responsibility.

National Leadership as an Operator of Colombia’s Free Trade Regime

In addition to its operations in Cartagena, Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia also serves as a User Operator, extending its experience, efficiency, and management model to other projects across the country. It currently manages ten free trade zones, distributed as follows:

• 2 Permanent Free Trade Zones,
• 6 Special Free Trade Zones, and
• 2 Permanent Special Free Trade Zones.

These are located in various regions, representing a model of expansion, institutional trust, and operational excellence.

This operational leadership has positioned Parque Central as one of Colombia’s leading free trade regime operators, providing comprehensive support to domestic and foreign companies seeking to optimize processes, access free trade zone benefits, and strengthen their export strategies.

Well-Being and Commitment to the Community

Parque Central’s growth has gone hand in hand with the well-being of its people. Through its Happiness Plan, the company has achieved a 92% employee satisfaction rate, strengthening its organizational culture and sense of belonging among team members.

Socially, it promotes employability programs in partnership with SENA, Comfenalco, and the Municipality of Turbaco, organizing more than ten job fairs that have successfully connected residents to the region’s business network.

A New Identity: An Evolving DNA

To celebrate this anniversary, Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia unveiled its new brand identity—symbolizing evolution, modernity, and a shared purpose. The new logo represents a brand that is closer, more dynamic, and aligned with its defining trait: efficiency.
The essence of Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia is built on a corporate DNA grounded in innovation, customer orientation, workplace happiness, environmental sustainability, and social commitment.

Each color of the new brand represents the value of this DNA and a story of evolution that drives the organization toward the future.
This DNA is not just a statement—it’s a living culture:

• Innovation, which led us to become the first automated free trade zone in the country.
• Customer orientation, reflected in our constant support and 24/7 operations with no extra costs.
• Workplace happiness, inspiring a team with 92% internal satisfaction.
• Environmental sustainability, evident in pioneering projects like the first floating solar plant in a Colombian free trade zone.
• Social commitment, which connects us with the Turbaco community through employment, training, and local development.

Looking Ahead: Innovation, Expansion, and Sustainability

With the 30-year extension granted in 2022, ZFPC is now authorized to operate until 2055, securing a solid foundation for continued growth.

In this new stage, its focus will be on full operational automation, real estate expansion of over 30,000 m², real-time analytics, AI applications for security and traceability, and the internationalization of the APPOLO software across other Latin American countries.

Words from General Manager Bernard Gilchrist

“Celebrating 15 years of history is also about recognizing those who made this journey possible. Thanks to our users, strategic partners, employees, and surrounding communities, we are today a modern, dependable, and constantly evolving Free Trade Zone. These 15 years have taught us that efficiency is not only measured in results but also in the positive impact we create for people, society, and the environment. The future challenges us to continue innovating, growing, and driving sustainable transformation. Our promise is clear: to evolve with you and inspire the future from Cartagena to the world.”

“The business community is the heart of our Free Trade Zone and the reason for our purpose.”

Zona Franca Parque Central by the Numbers

• 124 hectares developed
• Fifty-three companies established
• 2,400 direct jobs created
• 156% growth in exports (2023)
• Eighty-six percent reduction in operational overtime
• 30-year extension (authorized through 2055)
• Ten free trade zones operated nationwide
• 1st Caribbean Free Trade Zone recognized by UNIDO as an Eco-Industrial Park
• 2.4 MVA of clean energy generated by its floating solar plant

Conclusion

Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia stands today as a benchmark of innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness within the country’s free trade regime. From its origins in 2010 to its current leadership as a national operator and top exporting free trade zone, its evolution reflects a continuous commitment to efficiency, technological advancement, and community well-being. The integration of cutting-edge digital solutions, such as the APPOLO platform, its recognition by UNIDO as an Eco-Industrial Park, and its investment in renewable energy demonstrate that Parque Central has successfully merged productivity with environmental responsibility.

As it looks toward the future with operations secured through 2055, Zona Franca Parque Central is poised to strengthen its position as a regional and international logistics hub. Its roadmap—anchored in automation, real estate growth, artificial intelligence, and social sustainability—will continue to drive economic transformation in Colombia’s Caribbean region. More than a free trade zone, it is a living ecosystem of innovation and collaboration that embodies the country’s potential to connect industries, people, and ideas from Cartagena to the world.

Relations between Spain and Uruguay are based on mutual respect, common values, and a long history of diplomatic cooperation. The two countries have continually sought to expand and deepen cooperation in several fields. At the center of this renewed engagement between Spain and Uruguay is the European Union-Mercosur (EU-Mercosur) free trade agreement, with both countries emerging as “strong supporters of the EU-Mercosur agreement since the beginning of the negotiations,” according to Spanish Ambassador Javier Salido Ortiz. The Ambassador stated these views in an interview with Diálogo Chico ahead of Spain’s National Day on October 12 in Montevideo.

A Win-Win Deal

The Spanish envoy said the EU-Mercosur agreement “would be very beneficial for both parties.” Ambassador Javier Salido Ortiz explained that the free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur is “an opportunity to boost trade and investment on both sides, and everyone wins from it.” On the European side, the EU-Mercosur trade pact would “open an enormous market to export more industrial goods, high-value-added goods, and technology.” For Mercosur countries, the agreement is expected to “open a door for more exports, not just of agricultural goods, but also of raw materials to the EU, and also to attract the foreign investment required to modernize and speed up growth in those economies.”

In a sense, this is the precise balance of interests that the EU-Mercosur agreement is aiming to strike. The 28 EU member states and the four Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) have been working for nearly two decades to hammer out a comprehensive trade and investment agreement that addresses the concerns and priorities of both sides. At the core of this agreement is the objective of removing tariffs on more than 90% of goods traded between the two blocs, enhancing regulatory transparency, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable, mutually beneficial trade relations.

For Uruguay, a South American nation that exports 30% of its GDP (primarily beef, soy, and dairy products), signing the EU-Mercosur trade deal would represent a major opportunity in the EU, the world’s largest trading bloc.

Building Bridges

In addition to the broader perspective of regional trade integration, Spain and Uruguay have taken important steps to further deepen bilateral cooperation. In this sense, the recent visit to Uruguay by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi was a clear demonstration of the strong ties that bind the two countries. During the meeting in Montevideo, both leaders signed multiple agreements on cooperation in areas such as sustainable development, gender equality, the fight against organized crime, consular assistance, and cultural exchange.

These accords underscore the multifaceted nature of Spain-Uruguay relations, which go far beyond the strictly economic sphere to include common commitments to social progress, democratic governance, and sustainable development. In this context, Spain’s development cooperation agency, AECID, has been working closely with the Uruguayan government on a range of projects aimed at promoting renewable energy, water management, digital transformation, and other strategic sectors.

Spanish Investment in Uruguay

According to Ambassador Salido Ortiz, “Spain, through its companies, is the leading foreign investor in Uruguay.” This is a significant statement that underscores the depth of the economic ties between Spain and Uruguay. Spanish companies have recognized in Uruguay an attractive destination for investment and expansion due to the country’s democratic stability, robust legal framework, and predictable investment climate.

“Uruguay’s democratic stability and legal security have been key factors that have encouraged so many Spanish companies to invest and create around 30,000 jobs both directly and indirectly,” Ambassador Salido Ortiz said. These investments cover a wide range of sectors, including banking, telecommunications, renewable energy, and logistics. Prominent Spanish companies operating in Uruguay include Telefónica, Banco Santander, and Acciona, among others.

The EU-Mercosur agreement would likely cement these economic links by providing Spanish investors with better access to the Mercosur market, including supply chains and export opportunities. At the same time, for Uruguay, the agreement would help attract more European companies seeking a reliable and stable base of operations in South America.

Emerging Areas with High Potential

Ambassador Salido Ortiz pointed to some “very promising potential” areas of Spanish investment in Uruguay, including renewable energy, water infrastructure, transport, and digitalization. Uruguay has positioned itself as a regional leader in clean energy, with over 95% of its electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, and biomass. This fact perfectly aligns with Spain’s strength and technological leadership in the field of wind and solar power.

In the field of water management and infrastructure, Spanish companies have been helping Uruguay to address the challenges of sustainable water use and urban development. Digitalization is another fast-growing area where Spain can contribute its experience in the creation of smart cities, digital public services, and innovation ecosystems. This field, in particular, is becoming increasingly strategic for Uruguay’s long-term development.

In this sense, the EU-Mercosur agreement would provide a necessary institutional framework to support these types of investments. By promoting regulatory convergence, intellectual property rights protection, and sustainable business practices, the agreement would give investors more confidence to commit their long-term resources to projects that promote economic and environmental resilience.

Benefits for the Citizens

Ambassador Salido Ortiz said the biggest beneficiaries of the EU-Mercosur agreement would be the people of the two regions. “They are going to be able to access more variety of products and, with competition, these products will be cheaper,” the Spanish ambassador explained. This is one of the central tenets of free trade: provide consumers with more choice, lower prices, and at the same time stimulate innovation and efficiency among producers.

European consumers would benefit from better access to high-quality agricultural products from Mercosur countries such as Uruguay, Brazil, or Argentina (think, for instance, about Uruguayan beef, Brazilian coffee, or Argentine wine), whereas South American consumers would gain from an increased availability of European technology, pharmaceuticals, and machinery at more competitive prices.

In addition, the agreement places a strong emphasis on sustainable development, with clear provisions on environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and labor rights. This approach to trade and investment dovetails perfectly with Uruguay’s own commitment to sustainable growth and green energy, for which Uruguay is already a regional leader.

A Common Project

Spain’s support for the EU-Mercosur agreement is part of its wider strategy to deepen Europe’s engagement with Latin America. As one of the EU’s main gateways to the region, Spain has a critical role to play in terms of promoting mutual understanding, cooperation, and fair, balanced economic development.

For Uruguay, the EU-Mercosur agreement is a strategic opportunity, not only for export expansion but also to cement its position as a stable, reliable, and investor-friendly destination for European companies.

With a shared vision of democratic governance, open societies, and the rule of law, Spain and Uruguay are setting an example of how like-minded countries can find areas of cooperation to the benefit of their citizens and economies. As Ambassador Javier Salido Ortiz told Diálogo Chico, the EU-Mercosur agreement is not just a trade deal, but a framework for mutual progress and a symbol of a renewed partnership between two dynamic regions at the global stage.

Guatemala is emerging as a major industrial and technology power in Central America. Targeting the consolidation and expansion of production in well-established and new sectors (high technology, electronics, and semiconductors), Guatemala’s National Strategy to Attract Investment could play an important role in driving investment over the next five years.

Francisco González, president of the National Auto Parts Industry of Mexico, was one of the speakers in a recent Enade 2025 (National Meeting of Entrepreneurs for Development) panel who emphasized Guatemala’s strategic location, logistics, and development potential in the sector. Held on October 9, 2025, Enade 2025 is an event organized by the Foundation for the Development of Guatemala (Fundesa), bringing together high-level government and private sector representatives from both Guatemala and Mexico.

Guatemala for the Auto Parts Industry

In his speech at the Enade 2025 panel, González said that Guatemala has enormous opportunity and potential to participate in global value chains given its strategic location, the growing manufacturing and integration in global chains from the United States and Mexico, and its proximity to Guatemala. This is especially true for the automotive and auto parts industry, he added.

“We have in the last four years an increase of 44% of the automotive industry in the region,” González said. “If we take into account and coordinate the efforts to generate and add value to infrastructure, logistics, and technical capacity, Guatemala has enormous potential to become an important regional player and a fundamental partner within the auto parts industry.”

The panelists discussed the benefits and added value of products in the automobile industry and highlighted that without adequate energy, without adequate coordination between public and private sectors, without adequate logistics, and without adequate industrial planning in the region, attracting investments to a country like Guatemala is next to impossible.

The panelists also said that for the public and private sectors in Guatemala to work hand in hand in such a successful way, like Yazaki, for example, will depend on the energy that the country has and the industrial sectors, as well as opportunities, to attract the much-needed investments to expand the production capabilities in Guatemala.

“There are many countries in the world that are competing with Guatemala to attract investments from the automotive sector,” González added. “The lack of certainty in the justice system, in the institutions, politically, at times, can cause us to lose ground and even reduce the opportunities that we have at this time. We need to work with predictability and certainty; we need to improve competitiveness.”

Guatemalan Strategy to Attract Investment for Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing

In the future, the focus for the Guatemalan strategy to attract investment is on medium to long-term goals and will include the electronics industry, service centers, and the health sector, said Valeria Prado, Deputy Minister of Investment and Competition at the Ministry of Economy.

After electronics, the service centers and the health sector could also play a key role. Guatemala could be an interesting destination for shared service centers, particularly given its workforce’s strengths in education, language skills, and customer focus. The health industry is another sector that could be found attractive in Guatemala in the medium- to long-term, given the sector’s expansion in the region.

Electronics and semiconductors have already been long recognized as a sector in which Guatemala could, and should, play an important role. Semiconductors are of particular interest, given the high degree of value added as well as the industry’s record of success in Mexico. Given the disruption of global supply chains over the past few years and the realization that semiconductor production is not nearly as diversified as other goods, the production and assembly of semiconductor chips is an area where Guatemala can truly differentiate itself and offer new value to global supply chains.

Semiconductors have been the foundation of technological innovation and will remain so in the future. Integrated into everything from household appliances to medical equipment and almost all electronic devices, the global market for semiconductors is forecasted to grow to $710 billion by 2028, from $450 billion in 2022. The production of chips is complex, with a whole range of equipment needed to design, develop, and test the chips, meaning that just about every player in the supply chain is open to working with new and innovative players in regions that can meet the industry’s high requirements when it comes to logistics, skills, incentives, and production capabilities.

“The most important thing for now is to set clear, short-term objectives, medium-term objectives, and long-term objectives,” said Deputy Minister Valeria Prado. “It is a fact that the Guatemalan strategy to attract investment is already consolidating some sectors, but we want to take it further and deepen these with more added value and longer-term visions.”

The Government in Action

The Guatemalan strategy to attract investment has the support and participation of the government and a very clear direction of where it wants to take the country, from short-term, medium-term, and long-term objectives. In the short-term, the most important elements are the strengthening of traditional industries such as light manufacturing, processed foods, textiles and apparel, as well as beverages.

In the medium-term, the Guatemalan strategy to attract investment is looking into broadening horizons and attracting investment in new high technology industries such as the electronics industry, service centers, and the health sector. And for long-term objectives, Guatemala is setting its sights on high-tech and advanced manufacturing industries, including semiconductors.