Further strengthening of UK and Guatemala commercial ties
Speech by Mr. David McNaught, Chargé d'Affaires on the re-launch of iconic UK machinery brand JCB in Guatemala.
Good evening,
I have the honour to address you today with a few words on behalf of the British government.
The British embassy is committed to the development of trade relations between the UK and Guatemala. So have implemented a series of activities, and taken several actions in different sectors, to help increase the flow of trade between the two States. Several UK companies already operate in Guatemala successfully selling cars and transport vehicles, machinery, whiskey, clothing, industrial supplies and other products. And others invest in key sectors for the country, such as energy, where the UK is the largest investor in Guatemala. However, there is room for more. Especially in a country like Guatemala that increasingly requires more innovative products, services and quality - something for which the UK is world renowned.
The Association Agreement with the European Union will bring opportunities to increase trade figures. To support this goal the Embassy is increasing its activities in Guatemala. For example, in February during British Week we had a trade mission composed of British companies interested in doing business with Guatemala. Now, we are actively working hand in hand with the Government of Guatemala to promote the Guatemala Investment Summit to be held in late May here in Guatemala City.
The re-launch of the JCB machinery line, now backed regionally by Construmarket, is an example of the demand that exists in Guatemala for construction equipment and machinery: areas in which the UK is not only recognized worldwide, but also as a pioneer of innovation and quality.
JCB is a global brand with sixty-seven years of experience in the market. It is a brand that proudly reflects British values of responsibility and hard work. With a workforce of 10,000 people, JCB has 22 manufacturing and assembly plants and more than 750 distributors and representatives worldwide.
We are sure that JCB’s equipment will be welcomed by construction firms here and that soon we will be seeing it in the many construction projects, large, medium and small, that are not only in Guatemala City but across the country.
Thank you.