Commissioner Knott will visit Guatemala as part of a tour to promote British trade with economic partners in the Central American region.

Through this visit, the Commissioner seeks to strengthen bilateral trade relations between Guatemala and the UK, studying Guatemala’s priorities and existing projects in its portfolio to identify areas where the UK can offer its experience. During these meetings, the Commissioner will highlight the UK’s interest in continuing to work with Guatemala to create more opportunities that help build closer commercial ties that drive prosperity for both countries.

To this end, the Commissioner will meet with high-level representatives from the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure and Housing, the Municipality of Guatemala, the American Central Bank for Economic Integration -CABEI-, British multinational companies established in Guatemala and Guatemalan companies seeking to invest in English.

The Commissioner will use this opportunity to highlight the opportunities provided by the Association Agreement between Central America and the United Kingdom to foster commercial relations with Guatemala and promote business possibilities for British companies wishing to expand abroad. He will also highlight the importance of pushing for equality for UK companies seeking to do more business in Guatemala and strengthening the rule of law to attract more trade and investors to the country.

Commissioner Knott will also emphasize the need to improve economic security, reduce economic dependence on aggressors and create stronger trade, investment, science and technology ties between allies and partners. This will also provide a rationale for encouraging a greener economy.

During his visit, the Commissioner will be accompanied by the Regional Head of Central America and the Caribbean of the UK Export Credit Guarantee Agency (UK Export Finance, UKEF), an agency that offers financing options for projects involving British companies. This will provide an opportunity for Guatemala and the UK to find ways to implement infrastructure and development projects in the country.

According to UK trade figures, in 2021 total trade between Guatemala and the UK was USD 236 million. Total UK exports to Guatemala amounted to USD 88 million, including cars, drinks, chemicals and special machinery. Guatemala’s total imports to the UK amounted to USD 148 million, including vegetables, fruit, coffee, sugar and drinks.