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Welcome to Investment and Development. Today we will approach the subject
"China Free Trade opportunities for Guatemala"
and for that we are accompanied from the Chamber of Cooperation and China-Guatemala Commerce
To my right by Pedro Barnoya and Mr. Xu Yanbo
He is head of the delegation and General Director of the Chinese Council for the Promotion of International Foreign Trade.
Welcome to Investment and Development. Thank you very much for the invitation.
What are the opportunities that we see now a days, taking advantage of the relationships that can be done
with the Republic of China for the economic empowerment of Guatemala?
Actually there are many opportunities that China now a days is allowing us to
and that China is opening up actually after the Olympics of 2,008 and then
with the World Exposition in Shanghai in 2,010. China is fully opened to the world,
after opening in the 80's in their economic, culture, arts, science and technology situation.
Guatemala shouldn't be isolated from this world power. We in the Chamber of Cooperation and
Trade of China-Guatemala, a group of entrepreneurs, many of us
for more than 15 to 20 years have had friendly relationship with many people that now a days form part
of senior staff in the Chinese government and that has allowed us to establish today
those links, these close ties of friendship that they are allowing. With the support of China
providing the Guatemalan entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn more
and go further with the mutual understanding of both countries.
How did the Chamber of Cooperation Free Trade China-Guatemala arises
and what are the objectives of the realization of this project?
In fact, the Chamber of Cooperation of Free Trade of China-Guatemala emerges from the friendship,
the ties of friendship began many years ago, it is strengthened through trade relations,
cultural exchange relationships. We have carried a lot of Guatemalan delegations to China
and this has led to the expansion our range work, which developed so that Guatemala
have the best participation in the world exposition of Shanghai in 2,010. At the same time we have
counted with the participation of many people, both in China as well as in Guatemala, that every day more
integrate the Chamber and strengthens and enables us to take advantage of these opportunities. In this opportunity
we have the third exhibition of the Republic of China in our country.
We believe it is a fabulous opportunity for the Guatemalans to come closer, know and probably to
remove that fear of working with a power so great, the language that sometimes causes a certain fear.
"How will I speak to someone from a country so far", but we want to tell you that they are very friendly people
and people who are desirous of giving the best and besides that a very strong group of investors are coming
of the Chinese government and Chinese private companies. Guatemala should start making those links
in order to reach in the near and medium future to attract those investors who have high purchasing power.
To see it as an opportunity, that no longer traditions, culture or language be a wall
to make Trade between countries worldwide. Now we see that Commerce or Trade is a universal language.
Mr. Yanbo how has China achieved to be one of the most developed countries worldwide
and make them be the first economy worldwide in the coming years?
At this moment China reaches the second position of economic power in the world,
in terms of total economic volume.
It's no surprise for us,
since China is a country with a long history.
Until recently 200 years ago still China was the first economy in the world.
But unfortunately 200 years ago China hasn't been powerful as before.
In this process, China has suffered a lot.
Then during the last 200 years, China has always seeking its own way to develop.
Above all it's the independence of the country, of the nation.
Then 30 years ago China launched its economy reform. Began to participate in the globalization of the world.
The most important factor for China to be an industrialized country is due to the economic reform
that China made 30 years ago.
I think that's also due to the intelligence, intelligent work of the Chinese people.
I see that you bet to industrialization and economic reform and are returning
again to that leadership that you had previously.
What are the sectors where China emphasizes more it's economy?
During the past 30 years has been forming the most important sectors in China.
For example at the beginning of the reform and economic opening in China the first step they made was to introduce
the manufacturing and production of daily use products.
For example, the manufacturing line of the electric appliances products such as a television or something similar.
Then we introduced the manufacture of vehicles and at the same time the manufacture of televisions was going rise.
China with a higher consumption and with an increasing production of vehicles
we see clearly how China bet onto basic products and then improving their level of industrialization
through technology. Mr. Barnoya, how many companies are participating
in the Chamber of Cooperation China-Guatemala and what sectors are more involved?
Well it's a very interesting question and I am pleased that more and more enterprises in Guatemala
and not just businesses, because the Chamber is opened to all those people,
even individuals. We have artists, photographers there's even scientists
who have wanted to take their ideas to China, and every day are more. We grow at a rate of 10 to 15 members
each month, that means that in a year we will probably have 200 to 300 new members.
Apart from the people who are collaborating in the Chamber
who often because of their economic limitations can't help
otherwise but are also welcomed in the Chamber so they get involved and on the other hand the delegations also.
We have very large companies in Guatemala, small and medium-sized companies and on the other side too,
we invite all who want to learn more about Chinese culture. We have received the invitation
that has made to us the Chinese government and through different associations. When we have visited China
so that more and more different sectors be integrated, it's not only the economic sector
we are also strengthening these bonds of friendship and cooperation.
Let's go to a short break and then continue with Investment and Development.
We continue with Investment and Development. Mr. Yanbo,
what investments are the Chinese businessmen currently doing in Guatemala,
and what other sectors they would like to invest in the future?
I think that the generation of electricity, equipments of telecommunications already the Chinese companies
have their investment here in Guatemala.
I believe that investment in these sectors can be increased in the future.
Also in oil mining, I think there will be more investment.
When we return to China we will present all this information of investment to Chinese companies
and also the Chinese government.
Mr. Barnoya, soon a Commerce Office will be opened in China
through the Chamber of Commerce and China-Guatemala Cooperation. What does this represents
for Guatemala and as a visualization of future opportunities for the exchange of Commerce?
Precisely Mr. Xu Yanbo mention it. There exist many opportunities so that Guatemalans
can let our investment needs reach and we obviously have to take advantage
of this excess capital that China has in this moment to attract not only the Commerce
but also to those investors. The office that will be opening soon,
it represents a window of opportunity so that all Guatemalan businessmen join this project.
The Chamber is an inclusive Chamber, it is working together with different institutions
public and private, so to be an inclusive Chamber and precisely achieve the objectives of the country.
I think in the year 2010, the Shanghai World Exposition demonstrated to the world and particularly to Guatemala,
had a record amount of 4 million visitors and attracted many investors and people of China
to know Guatemala. So much that it has doubled the number of participating companies
in that commercial exhibition and the number of investors that nearly reaches the 130 investors that are coming
to know. We have transferred them information about the different areas and also we made a request
to the Chinese investors to also help add those value chains.
Guatemala not only requires the extraction itself of the goods, supplies and raw materials.
We have attended to many forums that we have been invited in China and precisely we have worked
in these added value chains and believe that there might come the development of Guatemala.
Precisely your program strongly emphasizes that, be able to accomplish added value chains for products
and not only raw materials, it is definitely an opportunity to get closer.
We have the contacts, the Chinese government are supporting us with that and Mr. Xu Yanbo
also can comment about the support we are receiving from the government and Chinese Council
in order to work together.
Mr. Yanbo, in what constitutes such cooperation done together through the
Chamber of Commerce and Chinese-Guatemalan Cooperation for the support also of the investments in this case?
In first place I want to speak about Guatemala's Commerce Office in China
because I know that Guatemalan companies have much interest in the Chinese market.
The Chinese Council for the Promotion of International Trade on behalf of Chinese companies
have always wanted to have the support of the Chamber of Commerce and China-Guatemala Cooperation.
So then when we got informed about the establishment of the Commercial Office of Guatemala in China
we turned to the Chinese government quickly to give them this information.
I believe that if a job can encourage Trade or Commerce between both countries
I guess the government will support.
There is the CCPIT, who will give full support to the establishment of this office
and to the Chamber of Commerce and China-Guatemala Cooperation.
We have the confidence that there is support from China and also from the side of Guatemala.
For example, we will discuss of the case of the Ministry of Economy, how has this ministry been supporting
in orderm to make those trade ties and also the support that you have through the Chamber?
Fabulous and I appreciate the question because it also allows us to give thanks to all the staff,
to the Minister who has been very supportive, all the managment also, not only in the opening of these processes
that we're making, but also in all the full support in the planning,
in fact the invitation from the Ministry of Economy to the Council for the Promotion of Foreign Trade
is essential to motivate so many entrepreneurs for them to come to our country. We have conducted
the different negotiations through the different Ministries of Guatemala. Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
INGUAT, the Municipality of Guatemala, Invest in Guatemala, PRONACOM and the Ministry of Economy
that has been a key pillar in this process, plus all the firms and the general public.
In fact, we have received much support from all and I think that only by working together
also the private sector, Chamber of Industry, we have meetings soon in CACIF
we want to include all those actors who definitely can't be isolated of a world power
and not only for being a power, because we many years ago, about 15 or 20 years ago
have been working with them, now with more reasons the world is getting closer to them because they are a power.
Our relationship comes from a friendship of many years ago and this has strengthened the confidence
that they have placed in the Chamber and we should respond to this
and I think there has been very good job of all public and private institutions, initiatives
and as I mentioned the Ministry of Economy has been very supportive
and I believe that bringing all these small, medium and large businesses and the general public
we can be benefited from the opportunities and invite them again, that the arms are open
of our friends to collaborate and be able to work together.
We go to a short break and then continue with Investment and Development.
We continue with Investment and Development. Mr. Barnoya,
how does the Chamber of Commerce together with China-Guatemala Cooperation be making an alliance with
the Ministry of Economy so that together they be promoting and encouraging also
the Guatemalan entrepreneurs, so they go, invest in China and also serve as a link
and make joint partnerships with investers, entrepreneurs in China?
In fact we are motivated in working and coordinate efforts, make team work.
Our Chamber is a small Chamber that has been strengthening through being inclusive.
Definitely the Ministry of Economy must be a fundamental arm and a pillar that support us
and we support each other above all, because it is many different activities that a ministry have.
But directly the activities and responsibilities that a Chamber of Commerce has and the Cooperation
between China and Guatemala, especially in the situation so special of The People's Republic of China in our country
but not least important the work altogether to achieve these alliances that will allow us to
join together all the elements in our country. We're speaking about unions,
we have already made the invitations to the different unions, chambers, associations.
I mean associations, not only business associations, there are student associations,
there are young people, children from the marimba for example who were in Shanghai Exposition last year. Actually
I think if we work together we can achieve much more than working apart.
Definitely this we have learned from "Mutual effort, Profit Shared"
is being handled and has managed through the Chinese government.
We have participated in many forums where we have been trained. We have recieved
that information on how to make a jointed work to achieve sustainable short, medium
and long term. China actually has very well defined their politics and programs through plans
five-year and we have been involved in throughout this process, we maintain constant communication
and we believe that we are an ideal bridge so that Guatemalans can get those opportunities
in a direct way and of course working as I mentioned with the Ministry of Economy
and with all the other public-private identities since we have all the full support
of Chinese council and the government of China.
We see very vital the role being played by the Chamber as you mentioned earlier
it is a fundamental trade link between both countries in which the role that all should play,
the Chambers altogether with Guatemala and other countries around the world.
That's it, I think Guatemala is definitely, it delights us although
our name is Chamber of Cooperation and Commerce China-Guatemala, we have very good friendship
with different countries, Chambers, we don't have enmity with any country, with no Chambers. On the contrary
we feel satisfied and happy that we are always welcome by each of the chambers and
they take us into account and that fills us with joy and sharing with our friends of China.
Now a days that we are being visited and fills us with great satisfaction and having 130 investors
speaks a lot about the intentions that China brings to trade with Guatemala
and go further into mutual understanding.
Mr. Yanbo, in what has consisted the Cooperation that currently China has given to Guatemala?
I think we already have the Cooperation of Commerce and Investment.
This cooperation should promote more
because we are celebrating here China's Trade Exposition.
We always have reasons to promote Trade and Investment between China and Guatemala.
Mr. Barnoya, what are the plans in the short, medium and long term
that the Chamber of Commerce and China-Guatemala Cooperation and as a solution
and strengthening of the economy through trade links?
The first big event that we have after the Shanghai World Exposition, is the third
exposition of the The Popular Republic of China in Guatemala.
and the Chamber of Commerce and China-Guatemala Cooperation is therefore devoted in making this event
and we know that there is much interest in attending. It will be from the 22nd. to the 25th. September in the Industrial Park.
For which we invite you, so much has been the interest of the Guatemaltecans that we had to open a space
in a very fast way so that those Guatemalan companies that asked for it, service companies.
They said "we want to participate, we want to be there", so then the number 6 showroom was opened and also the number 5 showroom
so that those Guatemalan companies who want to be there, participate and be able to show their products
and be able to introduce, first say I am here, I exist and then begin to show the world.
Definitely it isn't an easy market, neither it isn't impossible, there is the example in the Shanghai World Exposition.
We had about 50 different products from Guatemalans who entered and we had the idea
that it was going to be sold in a period of 6 months and were sold within 1 month.
We got short of product and we had to request additional containers with Guatemalan product
to meet the demand from China, that took us by surprise.
Mr. Yanbo, what would be your final message to all the Guatemalan population to the central government
in order to bet and take that leadership the way the Chinese government through the promotion
of economic development, technology, research and development
and also towards a culture, a pro-development mission also of the Chinese society?
Although China is the second economic power in the world, it's still a country that is developing.
We can't offer any suggestion as a teacher.
Also I believe that the path that China took can't be taken by other countries
or to say it isn't quite right for others.
But anyway I think we can summarize some success stories.
What is your final message Mr. Barnoya so that the Chinese investors also see Guatemala
as a fortress and that even they too can come to invest in Guatemala? Even in plants
we have trained people that they could have, why not, a future Intel
or companies also significant from the robotic part. To see Guatemala in another level of economy.
Very good question, in fact, what we have to do first and our suggestion has always been
show as a country. We, as Chamber of Commerce and China-Guatemala Cooperation
have always had the flag of Guatemala and want to represent the interests of our country.
That's why the opening of the Commercial Office to show the face of Guatemala towards China so that
we can begin to bring those investors. Comment also that our Chamber
is a friendly Chamber, our Chamber is very respectful of the international relations
that our country maintains with each and every one of the countries in the world and we are a friendly Chamber
of all the countries that have a good relationship with us, for which they have to see us as allies,
as a friend, as someone who seeks to strengthen of those relationships and linkages to improve their country.
Mr. Barnoya, thank you for being with us in Investment and Development.
Mr. Yanbo, thank you for being in Investment and Development, and remember that Guatemala is your country too.
Thank you and good afternoon. Thank you.
Remember that a conscious vote, will make a different Guatemala.
See you next week in a program as interesting as the one of today.