Guatemala's Port Law Aims to Modernize Infrastructure and Boost Competitiveness

Guatemala faces significant delays in modernizing its port infrastructure, falling behind neighboring countries like Honduras and Costa Rica, according to César Falcón, president of the Association of Shipowners of Guatemala (Asonav).

Falcón highlighted that while Guatemala holds a strategic position as Central America's gateway, its operational capacity is lagging. He emphasized the need for the proposed National Port System Law, currently under discussion in Congress, to establish clear regulations for port operations, create a specialized authority for decision-making, and open avenues for new investments through public-private alliances.

"Guatemala is the key to Central America, and we must keep it that way," Falcón stated in a recent interview. He believes the country can leverage its geographic location to become a regional transshipment and logistics hub, especially as the Panama Canal and other continental ports face saturation. Maritime trade is vital, accounting for approximately 82% of Guatemala's consumption, underscoring the urgency of modernizing its ports to remain competitive in global commerce.

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Guatemala is the key to Central America, and we must keep it that way.