Imagine a Hindi film or even a Telugu potboiler being shot in a tiny Central American country known mostly for coffee, bananas and vegetables.
But Guatemala is also the home of the ancient Mayan civilisation and those archaeological sites combined with lakes, volcanoes and lush forests could tempt any Indian film producer, and one presumes the cost of shooting there would be very competitive.
“Guatemala is the heart of the Mayan world, with a rich history and incredible natural beauty. We believe that Indian tourists, especially those with an interest in history and culture, will find Guatemala an attractive destination,” said Julio Perez, Vice Foreign Minister during a chat with StratNewsGlobal.
“These locations could be ideal for Indian film producers looking for new settings for their stories.”
But all that for later. Perez right now is focused on high level political exchanges including a possible visit by Guatemala’s president.
“Our goal is to extend the relationship that Guatemala has maintained with India for over 90 years. We are determined to foster deeper political, diplomatic, and business ties,” he said. “India is an important partner, and we are working through our embassy in Guatemala to establish better trade links, investment opportunities and political relationships,” he said.
India is a particularly attractive partner due to its strong track record in infrastructure development, including expertise in roads, ports, and airports—areas where Guatemala is looking for collaboration.
An Investment Promotion Agency run by the Ministry of Economy seeks to provide conducive environment to businesses. The government provides tax exemptions, benefits for companies setting up businesses, and assistance with bureaucratic procedures.
Indian two-wheeler makers like Bajaj are already in Guatemala, and exporting to other Central American countries. However, Perez emphasized that investors from India, like those from other countries, need to partner with local businesses to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively.
“We are also exploring the potential for light manufacturing, particularly in the garment and apparel sectors, where Guatemala has a strong presence. With the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), businesses operating in Guatemala can export goods to the US and other parts of Central America, providing a unique advantage,” he said.
It remains unclear, however, how badly Guatemala will be hit by Trump’s tariff war and what changes it may have to make in economic policy as a result.
Perez also indicated interest in exporting coffee, bananas, and vegetables to India. Here again, agriculture is heavily protected in India and bananas and vegetables are major items of export.
Coffee maybe one area where the two countries could do business but can Guatemala compete with coffee from Brazil, Vietnam and other places remains to be seen.
“India is renowned for its pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly in the field of generic medicines. Guatemala is open to exploring partnerships in this area, which could help provide affordable healthcare options for our population,” Perez said.
Indian cold storages are doing well in his country, Perez said, noting that they provide employment opportunities and help build a stronger service sector in the country. Healthcare is another area of focus for Guatemala.
““We are particularly interested in medical devices that cater to basic healthcare needs, such as surgical equipment, rather than highly complex technology. India’s expertise in this field could help fill a significant gap in Guatemala’s healthcare system,” Perez said.
He said his government is working on policies to attract companies in these sectors, aiming to create long-term opportunities for both Guatemalan citizens and foreign investors.
