1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. Trade U.S. Missions to Guatemala 2005 -2006
May Entreprise Florida
May Enterprise Florida
May Mobile Chamber of Commerce and Birghimam
September WTC of Philadelphia
November Entreprise Florida