The Ministry of Economy (Mineco) said on Tuesday that the Guatemalan and Chilean authorities had signed a Work Plan so that Guatemala can export mangoes treated with hot water to the Chilean market.
Guatemalan and Chilean authorities signed the work plan, which will enter into force after the General Comptroller of Chile approved the decree, during the Eighth Meeting of the Binational Commission between both countries.
During the bilateral meeting, both countries agreed to continue promoting the expansion of the investment chapters and public procurement contained in the free trade agreement.
In addition, the strategic cooperation agreement between the Chamber of Industry of Guatemala (CIG) and the Industrial Development Society of Chile was renewed.
Ready to enter the new market
Eddy Martinez, chairman of Guatemala's Mango Exporters Association (Agexport), was pleased with the signing of the protocol as it opens a new market for their exports. "We are prepared to enter this new market," he said.
"We expect to initially export about 20 containers with a million pounds of fresh mango to that market," said the businessman.
Martinez stated that Chile had become a major importer of mangoes, mainly from Peru, in the past three years. "It's a great opportunity for Guatemalan producers: we are in a different window production.
Peru produces mangoes from December to March and Guatemala produces them from March to May, so our exports would reach the Chilean market when the Peruvian harvest comes to an end.
According to Martinez the Committee started negotiations in 2014, with the support of the authorities of the Government of Guatemala and of Chile.
