Geneva, 14 November 2025 – On 12 and 14 November 2025, the Fourth Trade Policy Review of the Republic of Guatemala was held at the World Trade Organization headquarters, under the chairmanship of H.E. Mr. Kairat Torebayev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the WTO. The Review provided WTO Members with an important opportunity to examine Guatemala’s trade policy priorities, assess the reforms undertaken, and engage in discussions on matters of significance for the multilateral trading system.

The delegation of Guatemala was led by Mr. Héctor José Marroquín Mora, Vice Minister of Integration and Foreign Trade, who presented an overview of the country’s key economic achievements over the period 2016–2024. Members highlighted the resilience of Guatemala’s macroeconomic policy, with an average annual GDP growth of nearly 4%, the stability of its financial system, improvements in the investment climate, infrastructure modernization, and expanded opportunities for business development. Progress in digital government services, modernization of customs systems, and the introduction of advanced logistics solutions—resulting in reduced costs and improved efficiency of trade procedures—was also highly commended.

WTO Members responded positively to Guatemala’s ongoing reforms. Particular attention was given to efforts aimed at strengthening competition, supporting micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, enhancing women’s entrepreneurship, and increasing the country’s participation in regional and global value chains. Members also acknowledged Guatemala’s active engagement in the WTO, including participation in various joint initiatives, ratification of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, and constructive contribution to regional integration.

In its statement, Kazakhstan highlighted the substantial progress Guatemala has made in increasing the transparency and predictability of its trade policy, reinforcing administrative capacity, modernizing regulatory frameworks, and improving the business environment. Kazakhstan emphasized that digitalization, trade facilitation, and enhancing MSME opportunities remain central to sustained economic growth. Appreciation was also expressed for Guatemala’s openness to dialogue and willingness to share its experience during the Review process.

In his concluding remarks, the Chair of the TPR, Ambassador Torebayev, commended the high level of transparency and engagement demonstrated by Guatemala throughout the Review. He underscored the constructive nature of Members’ discussions and stressed the importance of continuing institutional reforms to strengthen the country’s competitiveness and its deeper integration into global trade processes. He expressed confidence that the results and exchanges during the Review provide a solid basis for further successful cooperation between Guatemala and WTO Members.

The Trade Policy Review mechanism is a key component of the WTO transparency framework, enabling Members to exchange information, enhance mutual understanding, and improve policy predictability. The next Trade Policy Review will take place on 17 and 19 November 2025 and will be dedicated to Nepal.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-wto/press/news/details/1105977?lang=kk