Strengthening the Chamber`s Role with Global Business Guatemala’s Experience Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala Ricardo Rodríguez Amado / Executive Director and CEO August 17, 2006
Economic Impact from the DR- CAFTA In the first year of DR-CAFTA´s implementation, the agreement would generate $4.2 billion in new sales and nearly a billion dollars in new earnings for workers in 16 states. It would also create over 27,500 new jobs in its first year. 9 years after implementation would boost sales by over $21 billion in 16 states. In the same period the agreement would raise workers earnings by $4.7 billion and create more than 137,000 new jobs in 16 states.
Overview of sectoral Benefits The CAFTA-DR will provide new market access for U.S. Products. 80% of U.S. exports of consumer and industrial Products will be duty-free immediatly Key U.S. Exports with immediate duty-free Access: Information Technology, Agricultural and Construction Equipment, Paper Products, Chemicals and Medical and Scientific Equipment. 99% of Medical equipment. 92% of capital goods: food processing, storage and packaging equipment, agricultural machinery and heating and cooling equipment.
U.S. Exporters will benefit from the CAFTA-DR Duty - Free 91% of U.S. fertilizers and agrochemicals exports 99% of U.S. construction equipment and over 55% of building supplies (Tractors, road building/paving equipment, items required for heavy infrastructure, and residential housing) All U.S. Information Technology (circuit switching equipment, computers and peripherals, cables, routers and cellular services equipment, radio trunking equiment)
U.S. Exporters will benefit from the CAFTA-DR Duty - Free U.S. Enviromental Technology 96% of U.S. Exports of energy product (electrical power generation and distribution equipment, including transmission and distribution-related equipment, meters, regulators, boxes, switchers, converters,etc.) Automotive parts, accessories and service equipment Agriculture Products: Beef industry (Prime and Choice cuts), Bacon and some offal products, Vegetables, 70% of U.S. fruit and nuts, wheat and barley, soybeans, peanut, processed products
Businessmens´Support Services Commercial Information: Imports/ Exports, Commercial Agreements, National Laws, Business Directories, Economy, Advice on legal aspects for foreign and local trade. Market Research: Market Profiles, Local Company Information, Business Opportunities, Import guide, Export manual Trade Promotion: Participation in trade fairs, Trade Missions (inbound/outbound), Buyers-Sellers´Meetings. Chamber Trust Seal
Trade U.S. Missions to Guatemala 2005 -2006 May 2005 Entreprise Florida May 2006 Enterprise Florida May 2006 Mobile Chamber of Commerce and Birghimam September 2006 WTC of Philadelphia November 2006 Entreprise Florida