Regarding policies to mobilise domestic resources for development and improve fiscal conditions, Guatemala has made significant efforts to improve its fiscal system and aligning the strategies of development banks with National Development Plans. The K’atun National Development Plan 2032 aims to address regulatory and institutional challenges that impede improvements in tax administration, transparency, control, and accountability. The government has prioritised policies to enhance public finance management and domestic revenue mobilisation, and to strengthen the application of fiscal legislation and improve the efficiency of the tax collection system. The “Guatemala No Se Detiene” plan further supports resource mobilisation by focusing on key areas like human capital, infrastructure, and legal certainty.
Regarding policies to advance a sound, inclusive and sustainable financial market, Guatemala has focused its National Financial Inclusion Strategy for 2019-23 on thematic areas and cross-cutting lines to enhance financial inclusion nationwide. Prepared by the Bank of Guatemala, the Ministry of Economy of Guatemala (MINECO) and the Superintendency of Banks, this comprehensive strategy aims to co‑ordinate the efforts of the public and private sectors. It emphasises modern, safe, and reliable payment methods, expanding access to diverse credit products, developing accessible savings services and broadening insurance coverage. It also includes financial education programmes, legal protections for financial service users, effective communication, support for entrepreneurship and for the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering economic growth and reducing poverty.
In terms of regional and international finance and partnerships to catalyse international resources, Guatemala has initiated strategic collaborations to enhance industrial competitiveness and leverage nearshoring. For example, several innovative programmes aimed at financing the reduction of socio-natural disaster risks in Guatemala were successfully implemented through collaboration with partner organisations and private-sector entities. Initiatives led by the World Food Program, Aseguradora Rural, MiCRO, Harvest Plus, Columbia University and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture resulted in the development of a mobile application to simplify microinsurance registration, financial inclusion, and training. In addition, the National Investment Attraction Strategy aims to reach USD 1.6 billion in FDI by 2024, focusing on sectors like processed foods, pharmaceuticals, and business services. This strategy, overseen by MINECO, involves collaboration with institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affair and the Ministry of Agriculture. The objective is to foster long-term economic growth and formal employment creation, focusing on two key strategies: i) enhancing Guatemala’s competitiveness in 20 established industrial sectors with the aim of furthering diversification and improving export capabilities; and ii) capitalising on the nearshoring trend to draw investments into four advanced sectors: pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronic equipment manufacturing and business services. Furthermore, Guatemala is vigorously promoting itself as a prime investment destination with the support of entities like the National Competitiveness Programme and the Guatemalan Association of Exporters. The creation of Invest Guatemala is instrumental in facilitating foreign investments and assisting local businesses in expansion efforts.