Latin America Advisor

Santiago Herdoiza, Cambridge, Mass.-based independent trade and policy analyst: “Guatemala’s capacity to bolster economic ties with China to their full potential would remain constrained absent a diplomatic break with Taiwan. Understandably, expanding commerce with Beijing is an appealing opportunity for President Bernardo Arévalo. Fighting labor informality and poverty—which according to the World Bank affects more than 50 percent of Guatemalans—is a top priority for his government. China’s economic and demographic weight vis-à-vis Taiwan offers Guatemalan exporters vast growth opportunities. For instance, China’s historic position as a leading sugar importer could spur increased sales of this staple Guatemalan export. Along with bananas and coffee, the opening of China’s market to agricultural goods would benefit the campesino and Indigenous populations, two traditionally neglected groups. Not to mention…”