Guatemala Roundup: US agreement for the modernisation of its ports, India to provide 600 artificial limbs, culinary tours
Guatemala to sign an agreement with the US for the modernisation of its ports
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo de León announced that on May 22, Guatemala will sign an agreement with the U.S. to modernise its ports, beginning with the expansion and renovation of Puerto Quetzal. He called it a historic step toward creating better commercial conditions for both Guatemalans and international investors.
India to donate 600 artificial limbs to Guatemala in humanitarian effort
India will provide around 600 artificial limbs in a humanitarian initiative set to begin in October 2025 in Guatemala. The 50-day camp, organized by Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), will take place at Guatemala’s Ministry of Defence and marks the 33rd global camp under India’s India for Humanity programme. The initiative coincides with the 53rd anniversary of India–Guatemala diplomatic ties and aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Community culinary tours in Guatemala
Martsam Travel’s “From Market to Mayan Table” offers an immersive culinary journey through Guatemala, blending gastronomy, heritage, and regenerative tourism. Starting in Antigua, travellers join Mayan women for market tours and home-cooked meals, exploring traditional ingredients and cooking techniques. The experience includes hands-on preparation of ancestral dishes in a restored colonial home and features handmade aprons from a Maya sewing cooperative, symbolising cultural connection and community support.
Central America Festival highlights literature and dialogue in Guatemala
The Central America Festival kicked off in Guatemala, spotlighting literature, cultural exchange, and democratic values. Featuring over 60 writers and artists from Latin America and Europe, the event includes book launches, panel discussions, and artistic dialogues. Highlights include Nicaraguan author Gioconda Belli’s new novel, a panel with EU and Costa Rican leaders, and a tribute to Nobel laureate Miguel Ángel Asturias. Expanding beyond Guatemala City, events also take place in Totonicapán to engage broader communities. The festival runs through May 24.
IDB Invest finances Laki to strengthen SCF in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras
IDB Invest has approved up to $50 million in financing for Laki and its subsidiaries to boost short-term funding access for MSME suppliers in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The package includes a $10M supplier factoring facility, a $20M revolving import credit line, and a $20M uncommitted facility for future capital and sustainability projects. Advisory support will also help enhance ESG practices and operational transparency.
