In an increasingly interconnected world, the dynamics of international relations play a crucial role in shaping global policies and fostering mutual growth. This exclusive interview aims to delve into the intricacies of Guatemala’s diplomatic strategies, with a particular focus on its relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
As Guatemala and the UAE continue to strengthen their bilateral ties, we will explore the key areas of cooperation, the challenges faced, and the future prospects of this partnership. Through this conversation, we hope to gain valuable insights into how diplomacy can bridge cultural and economic divides, fostering a more collaborative and prosperous global community.
Orozco has extensive experience in international trade and tourism, having worked in various capacities both within Guatemala and abroad, including the United States and the Caribbean. His academic background includes a degree in Business Administration from Universidad Rafael Landívar in Guatemala, along with specialized training in international trade, export promotion, and sustainable tourism from institutions in South Korea, Israel, and other countries1.
Throughout his career, he has led teams and coordinated projects funded by international organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). His focus has been on developing commercial and tourism initiatives, and he has been involved in various training programs related to community-based SMEs and clean production agreements1.
Join us as we embark on this enlightening dialogue, uncovering the nuances of diplomacy and international relations between Guatemala and the UAE.
As the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, what key priorities do you have in strengthening diplomatic ties between Guatemala and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?
Guatemala and the United Arab Emirates have maintained diplomatic relations for over 30 years, and since 2019, an Embassy has been established in the latter country, reflecting the priority given to the bilateral relationship and the recognized potential in economic, commercial, investment, infrastructure, and cooperation matters. To this end, Guatemala advocated for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Mechanism for Political Consultations, signed in 2023, in order to create a high-level dialogue space that not only promotes political-diplomatic relations but also commercial promotion, attraction of direct foreign investment, and the direct addressing of each item on the bilateral agenda.
Could you share any recent collaborative initiatives or agreements between the two nations in areas such as trade, investment, or cultural exchange?
Among the recent collaboration initiatives between Guatemala and the United Arab Emirates, several agreements are currently undergoing validation and monitoring over the past two years. These include an agreement on air services, an agreement on temporary labor migration, as well as discussions regarding agreements for the prevention of double taxation and the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments. These agreements aim to strengthen the commercial relationship between both countries and provide development opportunities for Guatemala.
How does Guatemala view the UAE’s role in regional and global affairs, and what opportunities does this present for bilateral cooperation?
The United Arab Emirates play a prominent role in regional and global affairs, acknowledged for their economic and political stability, as well as their influence in the region. Guatemala perceives these characteristics as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, such as economic, commercial, and investment domains. Both countries share values and principles that can serve as the foundation for a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship, hence the interest in promoting our commercial exchange.
What efforts are being made to promote Guatemalan exports and attract Emirati investments?
Guatemala is actively working to promote its exports and attract investment, especially in sectors such as agriculture, textiles, services, telecommunications and finance. Agreements have been established and participation in important trade fairs during 2023 and 2024, such as GulFood, Annual Investment Meeting Congress and the Arabian Travel Market, in pursuit of the commitment to establish a closer relationship with the UAE to promote Guatemalan products of Emirati interest. In addition, investment opportunities are being explored in infrastructure and renewable energy, areas in which the UAE has experience and resources, based on the work of inter-institutional coordination of the public and private sectors. Particularly in the energy sector, Guatemala recently became a member state of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), an intergovernmental organization headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, with the aim of supporting states in achieving a transition to sustainable energy in the future. This year, we participated in its General Assembly as a full member. Additionally, during my visit, I had the opportunity to meet with the Director-General of IRENA, Mr. Francesco La Camera.
Are there specific sectors where Guatemala and the UAE can complement each other’s strengths?
In terms of exports, Guatemala stands as the largest exporter of cardamom to the region, accounting for approximately 70% to 90% (depending on the year) of the region’s imports of this product. Concerning coffee, as of today, approximately 2.5% of the coffee imported into the United Arab Emirates originates from Guatemala, a fact of which we take great pride, as coffee stands among our primary export products. Additionally, priority sectors include agriculture, textiles, insurance and pensions, telecommunications, and financial services.
In terms of investment, it is important to highlight the interest in the infrastructure sector and ports in particular. In this regard, the United Arab Emirates have stated that they have the knowledge and sufficient capacity to invest in ports in Guatemala.
They have also expressed interest in mega renewable energy generation projects, such as geothermal energy, which has potential in the country.
What role does cultural diplomacy play in enhancing understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries?
For Guatemala, cultural diplomacy plays a crucial role in enhancing understanding and friendship between the peoples of Guatemala and the United Arab Emirates. Through cultural exchanges, exhibitions and events, it can promote mutual understanding and strengthen ties between the two nations. Guatemala will continue to participate in cultural programs and international events to share its rich cultural heritage and promote understanding between peoples.
How can the UAE and Guatemala collaborate on sustainable development goals, especially in areas like tourism, agriculture, or renewable energy?
Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Guatemala has worked to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as the fight against poverty, reduction of inequalities and acceleration of economic growth in an environmentally compatible environment.
To achieve this task, the country made various national efforts, under the leadership of the National Council for Urban and Rural Development (CONADUR), to align this international agenda in the National Development Plan K’atun: Our Guatemala 2032, with a view to laying the foundations to achieve the structural transformations that will ensure development in the coming years.
The United Arab Emirates, with its experience in the development of high-level tourism infrastructure, could share its best practices with Guatemala to improve the quality of its tourism destinations and promote sustainable tourism. In this sense, having the 2030 agenda as a common framework, both countries have the opportunity to define the precise actions to achieve this goal, such as the promotion of trade, investment and tourism, derived in the search for sources of employment, the fight against climate change, training in science and technology, among others.
What challenges do you foresee in deepening the relationship, and how can they be addressed?
In terms of challenges, Guatemalan businessmen need to get to know the region better, carry out visits and trade missions in order to be able to measure the importance of the market, which is the gateway to the Middle East, Africa and Asia. It is also important that there is a better relationship between both governments to develop initiatives that promote trade, investment and tourism, through air and maritime connectivity, since it is currently a limitation to achieve the objectives.
To address these challenges, the public and private sectors need to work together to coordinate a country strategy that promotes the adoption of agreements, legislation, initiatives, among others, that can be implemented through Commercial Diplomacy.
What steps are being taken to facilitate people-to-people exchanges, including educational and tourism programs?
Our country has a Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism in Guatemala, which contemplates concrete actions to make the development of tourism products compatible with the quality of life expectations that communities seek to achieve through tourism. Tourism is a facilitating mechanism for sustainable development in Guatemala and, with adequate community involvement, it is possible to maximize environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits and minimize negative impacts on the natural and cultural heritage. Regarding educational programs, we are seeking to implement a legal framework that allows the exchange of Guatemalans and Emiratis to participate in various opportunities presented by both countries. Also, promoting the teaching of the Spanish language in the United Arab Emirates, with the objective of facilitating communication.
Lastly, what message would you like to convey to Emirati citizens and businesses interested in engaging with Guatemala?
We are pleased to extend a warm invitation to the distinguished authorities and representatives of the United Arab Emirates to explore the opportunities they can find in Guatemala, considering that it has a stable macroeconomic and a commitment to public-private partnerships through the Guatemala Moving Forward Project, ensuring the attraction of investment and nearshoring opportunities for different sectors. Guatemala, a country of cultural diversity, economic and commercial promotion in Central America, offers a range of opportunities for investment and cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you and exploring how together we can forge a prosperous and beneficial future for both nations.
